Fri Mar 28 08:01:53 UTC 2025: ## California’s Salton Sea: A “Saudi Arabia of Lithium” Discovered

**Imperial County, CA –** A massive lithium deposit, estimated at 18 million tons, has been discovered beneath California’s Salton Sea, potentially revolutionizing the US battery industry and bolstering the nation’s clean energy goals. The discovery, detailed in a US Department of Energy-funded study, far surpasses previous estimates and positions the Salton Sea as one of the world’s largest lithium brine deposits.

This significant find could dramatically reduce US reliance on foreign lithium imports, primarily from China, and provide the raw materials for millions of electric vehicle batteries. Professor Michael McKibben of the University of California, Riverside, a lead researcher on the study, stated that this could make the US completely self-sufficient in lithium production.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has already hailed the Salton Sea as the “Saudi Arabia of lithium,” emphasizing the state’s potential to become a global leader in lithium extraction and processing. However, extracting the lithium presents considerable challenges. The process involves deep drilling to access the lithium-rich brine, followed by careful reinjection of the brine back underground to minimize environmental impact.

While the economic potential is enormous, careful consideration of environmental risks and sustainable extraction methods will be crucial in harnessing this valuable resource responsibly. The discovery marks a pivotal moment for the US clean energy transition, offering a path towards domestic battery production and reduced dependence on international supply chains.

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