Researchers Identify Significant Lithium Reserves in Pennsylvania's Gas Well Wastewater

Up to 40% of U.S. lithium demand could be met through extraction from Marcellus Shale wastewater, offering a potential boost to domestic supply.

Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh and NETL discovered high lithium concentrations in wastewater from Marcellus Shale gas wells.
The study estimates these reserves could cover 30-40% of the current U.S. national lithium demand.
Extracting lithium from wastewater could reduce the cost of handling and remediating this waste.
Lithium is crucial for technologies like smartphones, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems.
The U.S. government aims for all domestic lithium production by 2030, with this discovery aiding that goal.