A new United States Geological Survey report identifies 2.3 million metric tons of lithium in Appalachia, potentially securing domestic supply for over three centuries amid rising global demand.

Key Points

• The USGS estimates 2.3 million metric tons of lithium oxide are located within Appalachian pegmatites across the Carolinas, Maine, and New Hampshire.
• This discovery could theoretically support the production of batteries for 130 million electric vehicles or 500 billion cell phones.
• Global lithium production capacity is projected to double by 2029 as industries shift toward lithium-ion technology for electronics and data centers.
• The United States currently relies heavily on imports from Chile, Argentina, and finished battery products from China to meet domestic needs.
• Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly vital for AI infrastructure, serving as essential backup power sources for large-scale data centers.

Why it Matters

This discovery offers a significant opportunity for the United States to reduce its dependence on foreign lithium imports and strengthen its domestic mineral security. By tapping into these Appalachian reserves, the U.S. could stabilize its supply chain for the rapidly expanding electric vehicle and artificial intelligence sectors.