Ah, lithium. It’s more than what we give the crazies in the nuthouse when they act a fool. 🤪 The chemical element is in the batteries of all those devices you’re glued to. Have you had your doom scrolling break today? 👀🤳
A major lithium discovery was just made in Western PA. Could mines be next on the state’s agenda? ⛏️
Here’s Five Fast Facts on lithium mining in PA:
- 💧 Something in the Water - According to recent reports, scientists discovered a large lithium reservoir in fracking wastewater outside of Pittsburgh…and it’s a whopper. The reservoir is apparently big enough to supply roughly 40% of the nation’s lithium demand.
- 🔋 Power Up - Lithium is big business worldwide. The chemical element is used to make batteries for laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Right now, demand is super high. Data shows that prices for lithium jump approximately 500% each year.
- 🎭 A Little Controversy - Fracking and lithium mining are touchy subjects among environmentalists. The processes contaminate soil and release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. On the bright side, if the wastewater from fracking has lithium in it, it could cut down on the need to develop more lithium mines.
- ♻️ Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Fracking wastewater is typically written off as useless, but finding lithium in there is a game changer. Scientists are able to extract the chemical element from the wastewater with 90% efficiency. One man’s trash is another’s treasure!
- 👷 Mine Your Business - Today, the main producers of lithium are China, Chile, and Australia. These countries account for 90% of the world’s supply. Currently, the only active U.S. lithium mine is in Nevada, but there are plans to open mines in California and North Carolina, too.
🔥Bottom line: The next time you’re lost in TikTok, thank your lithium battery. Then, go outside and touch some grass. Speaking of power sources, will coal continue to be a major one in the U.S.? Check out this article on the future of coal as an energy source.
Are you for or against lithium mines in PA?
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