Potentially the world's largest lithium deposit has been found in a US volcano
With consumers looking for higher-range EVs that do not need frequent recharging, nickel-rich cathodes have become commonplace. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries[1] however do not use any nickel and typically offer lower energy densities at better value. Unlike nickel-based batteries that use lithium hydroxide compounds in the cathode, LFP batteries use lithium carbonate, which is a cheaper alternative. The global electric vehicle motor market size was valued at $9.51 billion in 2021 & is projected to grow from $12.58 billion in 2022 to $59.69 billion by 2029.The global electric vehicle motor market size was valued at $9.51 billion in 2021 was projected to grow from $12.58 billion in 2022 to $59.69 billion by 2029.[2]
The United States has had a recent, potential, mineral windfall.[3] Should our nation elect to fully embrace the “Green Revolution” quick time like COP21[4] definitely idealized. Out in the midst of the Nevada-Oregon border region (big sky territory) lies the McDermitt Caldera. It's likely the world's largest deposit of lithium has been discovered in that extinct Caldera.[5] There is a problem though in extracting this “white gold” from the Earth. The original occupants of the land: Native Americans.
When the Trump Administration fast-tracked Lithium Americas mining project it failed to consult the Paiute or Shoshone[6] people (independent Native American nations) as required by Treaty agreement, tradition and a body of legal decisions. For 25 years becoming a BIA reservation, McDermitt was Fort McDermitt US military post established because of clashes with the Native peoples. Thacker Pass[7], bears the historical taint of a massacre (12 September 1865) which still cries out to the decedents those slain by the 1st Nevada Calvary that day. History will determine if Thacker Pass like the Enbridge 3[8] and Keystone XL[9] pipelines represent an expression autonomy exercised by Native Tribal Nations and/or land-owners or simply accentuate the power of corporate interest (and potentially national security[10],[11])?
[1] Bhutada, G. (2022, May 2). The Key Minerals in an EV Battery. Elements by Visual Capitalist; © 2023 Visual Capitalist. https://elements.visualcapitalist.com/the-key-minerals-in-an-ev-battery/
[2] Electric vehicle | Electric vehicle motor market. Fortune Business Insights (2020). Fortunebusinessinsights.com; @ 2020 Fortune Business Insights. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/electric-vehicle-motor-market-107244
[3] Scheyder, E. (2022, April 7). New lithium technology can help the world go green -- if it works. Thomson Reuters News Agency. https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/new-lithium-technology-can-help-world-go-green-if-it-works-2022-04-07/
[4] UNFCCC. (2023). The Paris agreement. United Nations Climate Change; United Nations. https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement
[5]
Thubron, R. (2023, September 12). Potentially the world’s
largest lithium deposit has been found in a US volcano. TechSpot; © 1998 -
2023 TechSpot, Inc. https://www.techspot.com/news/100117-potentially-world-largest-lithium-deposit-has-found-us.html
[6] Weiser, K. (2019, October). The Shoshone – Continuing the Traditions of Their Ancestors – Legends of America. Www.legendsofamerica.com; © Kathy Weiser/Legends of America. https://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-shoshone/
[7] Malmgren, E. (2021, September 23). The Battle for Thacker Pass. Www.thenation.com; @ The Nation. https://www.thenation.com/article/activism/thacker-pass-mine-protest/
[8] Perls, H. (2021, October 18). Enbridge Line 3 Replacement and Expansion - Environmental & Energy Law Program (Harvard Law School Environmental and Energy Law Program, Ed.). © 2023 Harvard Law School. https://eelp.law.harvard.edu/2021/10/enbridge-line-3/
[9] Honderich, H. (2021, January 27). Keystone XL: Why I Fought for - or against - the Pipeline. BBC News, Washington. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55816229
[10] Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE). (2023). Energy Independence and Security. Energy.gov; U.S. Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/eere/energy-independence-and-security
[11] Victor, D. G., Deutch, J., & Schlesinger, J. R. (2006, October). National Security Consequences of U.S. Oil Dependency. CFR.org; Council on Foreign Relations Press. https://www.cfr.org/report/national-security-consequences-us-oil-dependency
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