Produced by: Manoj Kumar
A staggering $540 billion lithium deposit lies beneath California’s Salton Sea, dubbed "white gold" for its sandy appearance. This discovery could reshape global energy markets and spark a battery production boom.
Known as California’s largest lake, the Salton Sea holds 18 million tons of lithium, far more than initially thought. This “sea of power” could fuel a massive shift towards electric vehicles worldwide.
The lake’s lithium is enough to create batteries for 382 million electric vehicles, surpassing U.S. road needs. This find might position the U.S. as a leader in the lithium industry, potentially overtaking China.
According to Professor Michael McKibben, this is among the world’s largest lithium deposits. With this supply, the U.S. could achieve lithium independence, drastically cutting imports and boosting domestic industry.
Governor Gavin Newsom called the Salton Sea “Saudi Arabia of lithium.” This find confirms its status as a global lithium powerhouse, capable of reshaping energy production.
Climate journalist Sammy Roth notes this lithium could power more EVs than there are on U.S. roads today. Accessing it would mark a significant stride in the shift toward clean energy and sustainable mobility.
Extracting this lithium won’t be easy—it requires geothermal production wells that pump lithium-rich brine from thousands of feet deep. It’s a risky endeavor, but the rewards could transform energy markets.
Concerns arise over water usage, as extraction needs immense amounts of water from the Colorado River. Balancing lithium extraction and local water needs will be crucial to prevent ecological strain.
The 180,000 residents living near the Salton Sea face potential disruptions from the drilling operations. This energy revolution will need careful planning to protect communities and minimize impact.