China dominates the world's lithium supply. The U.S. just found 328 years' worth in its own backyard | Fortune

"This research shows that the Appalachians contain enough lithium to help meet the nation's growing needs, USGS director Ned Mamula said in a statement, a major contribution to U.S. mineral security, at a time when global lithium demand is rising rapidly."

"The U.S. imported nearly $85 million worth of lithium-ion batteries from China over the past year, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity. The import of lithium-ion batteries is particularly costly as both the Trump and Biden administrations have levied tariffs on Chinese imports of the product."

The USGS identified 2.3 million metric tons of lithium oxide in Appalachia, sufficient to meet U.S. lithium needs for 328 years at current import levels. This discovery is crucial as global demand for lithium is increasing, particularly for lithium-ion batteries. The U.S. heavily relies on lithium imports, mainly from Chile and Argentina, while China dominates the finished battery market. The USGS anticipates that global lithium production capacity will double by 2029, highlighting the importance of domestic lithium resources for national security.

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