Jody Serrano
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An old volcano in Oregon is attracting many eyes these days, not over concerns it’ll somehow erupt, but because of what it could contain in its interior: lithium.
Specifically, a potential deposit worth $1.5 trillion.
The McDermitt Caldera. Over the last decade, several studies have looked into whether the McDermitt Caldera could contain deposits of lithium. Located on the Nevada-Oregon border, the caldera is roughly 28 miles long and 22 miles wide. Researchers believe it to be approximately 19 million years old.
A 2023 study estimated that the McDermitt Caldera could be one of the largest known lithium reserves in the world.
What is lithium? Often referred to as “white gold,” lithium is a soft, silvery metal with a low density. It’s found in igneous rocks and in the waters of many mineral springs.
Lithium’s importance has skyrocketed in recent years because of its role in rechargeable batteries, such as those used in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. It’s a crucial element for green energy like wind and solar power, which need batteries to store renewable energy.
Local concerns. Companies are interested in developing a part of the caldera on the Oregon side of the border to test for lithium. In particular, the Australian company HiTech Minerals is seeking approval for a five-year exploration project, which is seen by some as the first step to developing a new mine, in Malheur County.
The project involves creating access roads and more than 260 drill sites, as well as monitoring wells, according to Oregon Live. HiTech’s project requires federal and state approval and is still under review.
The company’s proposal hasn’t been universally well-received by locals. Some are concerned that the project could threaten the habitat for wildlife, such as the sage-grouse, and infringe on areas that are sacred for local Indigenous tribes. However, others are hopeful that it could create good-paying jobs. Malheur County is one of the poorest in the state.
In a statement, the Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club said it supported the use of lithium for the transition to green energy, it was opposed to HiTech’s project.
“This lithium exploration project is a serious environmental justice concern for the surrounding communities because it paves the way for rampant lithium extraction at the expense of the ecosystem and culturally important sites,” the organization said.
Domestic ambition. Most of America’s lithium supply currently comes from other countries—including Chile, Australia, and China—a scenario the government hopes to change in the long-term.
President Donald Trump has stressed the need to increase domestic mineral production, and signed an executive order aimed at facilitating the activity in March.
Images | MiningWatch Portugal | Vardan Papikyan
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