Scientists have discovered a vast reservoir of untapped lithium hiding in wastewater from a Pennsylvania gas fracking site.
Currently, 90% of the world's $8 billion lithium supplies are produced in Australia, Chile and China. The rare element is essential for the production of electric vehicle batteries, smartphones, laptops, smartwatches and electronic cigarettes, and demand for it is currently booming, with prices surging by roughly 500% year on year. Right now the U.S. has only one operational lithium mine — in Nevada — meaning huge quantities of the element must be imported to meet demand.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.The new discovery could lead to a new way of obtaining the vital element without the need for more mines.