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New Study Reveals Rich Lithium Deposits in Nevada

11/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A peer-reviewed study finds significant lithium deposits in the McDermitt caldera, northern Nevada, notably at Thacker Pass, where about 1% lithium by weight is found in an illite-rich layer, making it among the richest clay-based sources, per Science Advances.
The caldera's long cooling period and stable tectonics facilitated lithium accumulation.
The study suggests the resource could stabilize supply chains and U.S. battery production, though local environmental and resource-management concerns persist.

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Story summary

A peer-reviewed study finds significant lithium deposits in the McDermitt caldera, northern Nevada, notably at Thacker Pass, where about 1% lithium by weight is found in an illite-rich layer, making it among the richest clay-based sources, per Science Advances.
The caldera's long cooling period and stable tectonics facilitated lithium accumulation.
The study suggests the resource could stabilize supply chains and U.S. battery production, though local environmental and resource-management concerns persist.