Massive Amount Of Lithium Discovered In Pennsylvania

Researchers and scientists from the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a huge amount of lithium located in Pennsylvania.

Scientists believe the new find could supply more than a third of America’s lithium needs.

The study was published in the Nature Journal and stated, “This study estimates that Marcellus Shale related Li yields have potential to make a significant contribution to US domestic consumption with a set of reasonable, conservative assumptions.”

The lead author of the research paper, Justin Mackey, shared, “If you can extract value out of materials, and specifically lithium from this, then you reduce the cost of remediating and handling this waste,”

Fracking for the win:

“A University of Pittsburgh study suggests processing byproducts from natural gas production in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale basin could potentially meet nearly half of U.S. lithium needs.” pic.twitter.com/9aq6nFhn6r

— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) June 8, 2024

Pennsylvania's lithium reserves can meet 40% of U.S. demand. We should responsibly tap into this goldmine to boost our economy, create jobs, and achieve energy independence.

We can't rely on China for critical minerals. https://t.co/RRlLslg2iW

— Stacy Garrity (@GarrityForPA) June 8, 2024

Here’s what Fox News reported:

The discovery of the potential for thousands of tons of lithium to be extracted annually from wastewater generated by fracking in the Marcellus Shale leaves proponents of a green energy future at a crossroads, Republicans said Thursday.

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A University of Pittsburgh study suggested processing byproducts from natural gas production in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale basin could potentially meet nearly half of U.S. lithium needs. The typical electric vehicle (EV) requires nearly 18 pounds of lithium to power its battery. That figure grows exponentially for Teslas, according to reports.

Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., who represents much of the Marcellus territory, told Fox News he wants to see those on the left change their tune.

“Now nearly 40% of our nation’s domestic need for lithium can be found right here as a byproduct of fracking,” he said. “I fully expect every single Democrat to join Republicans in supporting domestic natural gas development.”

Massive Lithium Find in Pennsylvania Could Be Enough to Mood-Stabilize Robert De Niro Through Trump’s Second Term pic.twitter.com/pEI4CezoG2

— Moog Rogue (@moogrogue) May 30, 2024

Here’s what The Hill reported:

Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a large amount of lithium located in Pennsylvania, saying it could eventually supply more than a third of America’s needs for the mineral.

Researcher and study lead author Justin Mackey told CBS Pittsburgh in an article published Wednesday that the wastewaters of the Marcellus Shale gas wells could cover “somewhere between 30 and 40 percent of the current U.S. national demand.”

“This study estimates that Marcellus Shale related Li yields have potential to make a significant contribution to US domestic consumption with a set of reasonable, conservative assumptions,” says the research, published in the Nature Journal last month.

“If you can extract value out of materials, and specifically lithium from this, then you reduce the cost of remediating and handling this waste,” Mackey said.
The researchers analyzed compliance data from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to determine their results.