A massive lithium deposit recently discovered in the United States could dramatically reshape the global battery and clean energy industries, positioning the country as a major player in the future supply of critical minerals. Scientists have identified the deposit beneath the McDermitt Caldera, an ancient supervolcano straddling the border between Nevada and Oregon. The caldera, formed millions of years ago by a colossal volcanic eruption, has long been of geological interest, but new research suggests it may also hold unprecedented economic and strategic value.

According to Earth.com, researchers estimate that the McDermitt Caldera could contain between 20 and 40 million metric tons of lithium, potentially making it the largest known lithium reserve in the world. If confirmed through further exploration and feasibility studies, the discovery would surpass existing major lithium reserves in countries such as Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile, which currently dominate global supply.

The financial implications of the find are equally striking. Engineerine reports that the total value of the deposit could reach approximately $1.5 trillion, based on the average U.S. contract price for lithium carbonate, which stands at around $37,000 per metric ton. Lithium carbonate is a key material used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles (EVs), smartphones, laptops, and large-scale renewable energy storage systems.

Experts say that if the McDermitt lithium deposit can be economically and environmentally extracted, it could supply enough lithium to meet global demand for several decades. This would have far-reaching consequences for the electric vehicle industry, which is expanding rapidly as governments and automakers push to reduce carbon emissions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global demand for lithium is expected to increase more than sixfold by 2030 due to the accelerating transition to clean energy and electric mobility.

In addition to supporting EV production, a domestic lithium supply could significantly strengthen U.S. energy security and reduce reliance on foreign sources. Reuters and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have repeatedly highlighted concerns over the concentration of lithium mining and processing in a small number of countries, particularly China’s dominant role in battery supply chains. A large-scale lithium resource within U.S. borders could help diversify supply, stabilize prices, and support domestic manufacturing initiatives promoted under recent federal clean energy policies.

However, challenges remain. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the potential ecological impact of lithium mining, particularly in sensitive desert and volcanic regions. According to The Guardian and the USGS, large-scale extraction projects must carefully balance economic benefits with water usage, land preservation, and the protection of local ecosystems and Indigenous lands.

Despite these concerns, the discovery at the McDermitt Caldera is widely viewed as a potential turning point. If developed responsibly, it could play a crucial role in advancing renewable energy technologies, accelerating the global shift away from fossil fuels, and redefining the United States’ position in the rapidly evolving battery economy.