A Californian Lake Holds a Fortune in Lithium, but How Do We Get It?
The Salton Sea, known for its stinky, salty waters, might just be the key to unlocking a significant source of lithium in the United States. With global demand for lithium on the rise, the discovery of potential vast deposits in this lake could be a game-changer in the renewable energy sector.
The Salton Sea, located in the Sonoran Desert in southern California, has long been plagued by pollution, turning its sediments into toxic dust with a rotten egg smell. However, recent findings suggest that beneath its murky waters lies a treasure trove of lithium, a crucial component in batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
According to a report by the US Department of Energy, the Salton Sea region could hold up to 3,400 kilotons of lithium, which is enough to power over 375 million electric vehicle batteries. This discovery aligns with President Biden’s goal of achieving 50 percent electric vehicle adoption by 2030 and transitioning towards a more sustainable, decarbonized economy.
The abundance of lithium in the lake can be traced back to the geological history of the region. Lithium-rich volcanic rocks from surrounding mountain ranges, past geologic activities, and water and sediments carried by the Colorado River are believed to have contributed to the lithium deposits in the lake.
While the potential economic benefits of extracting lithium from the Salton Sea have excited many industrialists and politicians, there are concerns about the extraction process. Traditionally, lithium is harvested through evaporative extraction of lithium-infused brines, which requires significant energy and infrastructure. However, a new approach aims to extract lithium from brines pumped from geothermally active layers in existing geothermal power plants.
Despite the promise of a more environmentally friendly extraction method, some local residents are apprehensive about the project’s fast-tracked approval process and lack of community outreach. Daniela Flores of the Imperial Valley Equity and Justice Coalition highlighted the need for more transparency and communication, especially for Spanish-speaking residents who may be impacted by the project.
As California Governor Gavin Newsom envisions turning the Salton Sea into a global hub for battery production, balancing economic opportunities with environmental considerations and community engagement will be crucial. The challenges of accessing the lithium potential of this Californian lake present an opportunity to innovate and demonstrate sustainable practices in the burgeoning lithium market.