A $1.5 Trillion Lithium Discovery Beneath a U.S. Supervolcano Could Reshape Global Energy Markets
In a discovery that could rewrite the global lithium supply map, scientists have uncovered what may be one of the largest known lithium deposits on Earth—hidden beneath an ancient supervolcano in the western United States. Estimated to be worth $1.5 trillion, the massive deposit lies within the McDermitt Caldera, a geologic formation straddling the Oregon–Nevada border. Nicknamed “volcanic white gold,” this lithium reserve has the potential to supercharge America’s electric vehicle (EV) industry, bolster national security, and significantly reduce the country’s reliance on foreign supply chains. Why This Matters Lithium is the critical ingredient in lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from smartphones to electric cars and large-scale energy storage systems. As global demand for clean energy and EVs surges, countries around the world are racing to secure reliable and sustainable lithium supplies. Until now, the U.S. has relied heavily on international sources, particularly fr...