00:00USGS confirms world's largest lithium deposit, 40 million tons found inside ancient Oregon
00:07volcano.
00:09The US found a 40 million ton lithium deposit under Oregon Nevada's McDermott Caldera worth
00:151.5 trillion dollars, offering a domestic EV battery source amid rising global demand
00:20and dependence on Chinese refining.
00:24By 2026, the lithium market is expected to shift from surplus to deficit, driving
00:29prices higher.
00:31The US currently imports most lithium chemicals, creating security and cost concerns.
00:37Projects like McDermott are critical to diversify supply chains, support EV growth, and reduce
00:43Chinese dependence on cathode production.
00:46McDermott Caldera, formed 16 million years ago, is one of the largest volcanic calderas
00:51in North America.
00:53Hydrothermal fluids concentrated lithium in clay-rich sediments over millions of years,
00:58creating a rare and strategically important clay-hosted deposit.
01:03Lithium is classified as a critical mineral by the US government.
01:07McDermott could enhance energy independence, supply EV battery production, and reduce Chinese
01:12reliance.
01:13However, environmental and indigenous concerns complicate permitting and development, highlighting
01:19tensions between strategic priorities and local stewardship.
01:24Lithium is concentrated in clay stones, particularly near Thacker Pass.
01:28If economically recoverable, it could supply hundreds of thousands of EVs annually.
01:34The scale of the deposit makes it one of the largest globally.
01:37The area is sparsely populated, supporting ranching, wildlife, and small towns.
01:43Mining may bring jobs and infrastructure improvements, but also risks like dust, water usage, and habitat
01:49disruption, illustrating the local national trade-offs.
01:54Thacker Pass is operated by Lithium Americas, approved by the BLM in 2021.
02:00GM invested $650 million to secure supply, while Australian Jindalee Resources explores nearby deposits.
02:08McDermott has become a hub for domestic lithium development.
02:12Most lithium comes from Australia and South America, refined in China.
02:17Dermott could diversify supply, but extracting lithium from clays is complex, requiring energy-intensive
02:22acid leaching.
02:24Clay-based extraction produces tailings requiring careful disposal to prevent soil and water contamination.
02:31Environmental stewardship is critical in the high desert.
02:34Tribal nations and conservation groups challenge mining due to sacred sites, wildlife, and groundwater
02:40risks.
02:42Global ranchers also raise concerns about cumulative impacts on ecosystems.
02:46The BLM approved large-scale mining in 2021, and DOE provided a conditional $2.3 billion
02:55loan for development.
02:57Federal policy frames McDermott as essential for domestic clean energy supply chains.
03:02Lithium concentrations near Thacker Pass reach up to 18,000 parts per million.
03:08Phased mining aims to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate with mitigation measures like
03:12groundwater monitoring and habitat protection.
03:15Developing McDermott could strengthen U.S. energy independence, stabilize EV supply, and
03:20set a precedent for responsible resource extraction.
03:24With a global lithium deficit looming in 2026, rapid approvals and development are urgent.
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