Discovery of lithium in the USA. When will mining start and what impact does it have on raw material prices?
As we explained earlier, in 2020, scientists announced a shocking discovery: the caldera, a depression in the top part of the volcano, contains the world's largest resources of lithium present in the local unique clay called illite. Subsequent research by scientists – both in 2023 and 2025 – confirmed that illite in the southern part of the McDermitt caldera, called Thacker Pass, contains on average approx. 1.8 percent. this valuable element.
See also: A breakthrough discovery in Germany. Huge deposits of “white gold”
Lithium, called “white gold”, is essential for the production of batteries for smartphones, electric cars and energy storage systems. So far, the largest players on the market were Chile, Bolivia and Australia. The discovery of such a large deposit in the USA may significantly affect the prices and security of supplies of this raw material in the world.
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The deposit on the border of Nevada and Oregon is considered the largest in the USA and one of the largest in the world. Experts estimate that it contains up to 40 million tons of lithium. This is a chance for the US to become independent from imports and strengthen its position vis-à-vis China, which currently processes 60 percent of its imports. world lithium.
40 million tons of “white gold” discovered. The USA starts mining
As Radio ZET explains, the drilling results from 2025 confirmed high concentrations of lithium and magnesium, and the recovery of magnesium reached as much as 97%. The company is now analyzing how to use magnesium to increase the value of the project. McDermitt resources are estimated at 1.8 million tonnes of LCE, and the exploitation period is expected to be several dozen years.
Lithium mining in Thacker Pass is carried out by Lithium Americas. The company presented a work schedule on its website. Production itself as part of the Thacker Pass lithium project will begin at the end of 2027, with main construction work ongoing from 2025, and peak construction activity scheduled for 2026.
See also: The largest lithium deposit in an ancient volcano. It's an opportunity for electricians and… a disaster for Native Americans
In the initial phase, mining in the ancient volcano will amount to approximately 40,000. tons per year and will last about 40 years. The company estimates that annual production will be enough to produce batteries for one million electric cars, and the value of recoverable lithium is USD 3.9 billion. General Motors is a key investor and recipient of this project.
It will be crucial to build infrastructure, because lithium is found in clays, which makes exploitation difficult and expensive. Additionally, the investment raises objections from indigenous communities for whom the mine area is sacred, and ecologists who fear the impact on the environment.
