Federal assessment estimates millions of tons of recoverable lithium, highlighting potential for expanded domestic supply amid rising demand.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The U.S. Geological Survey has identified a significant concentration of lithium resources beneath the Appalachian region, estimating that approximately 2.3 million metric tons of undiscovered, economically recoverable lithium could be present across eastern states.
The assessment, released April 28, divides the potential resource into two primary regions. The southern Appalachians, largely spanning the Carolinas, are estimated to contain about 1.43 million metric tons of lithium oxide, while the northern Appalachians, centered in Maine and New Hampshire, account for roughly 900,000 metric tons.
A peer-reviewed analysis of the northern findings was published in Natural Resources Research, with additional details on the southern region expected to be released at a later date.
Lithium in the region is found within pegmatites—coarse-grained igneous rock formations created during ancient tectonic activity that formed the supercontinent Pangea more than 250 million years ago. Scientists used a combination of geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, geophysical surveys, mineral records, and probabilistic modeling to estimate the resource.
The 2.3 million metric ton estimate reflects a 50 percent probability level, meaning actual quantities could vary. Officials emphasized that further exploration would be required to confirm specific deposits and determine their economic viability.
Ned Mamula said the findings demonstrate that the region holds enough lithium “to help meet the nation’s growing needs,” describing the assessment as a contribution to U.S. mineral security as global demand increases.
The agency estimated the resource could support production equivalent to about 1.6 million grid-scale batteries or batteries for approximately 130 million electric vehicles. Demand for lithium is projected to increase more than 48-fold by 2040, driven by expansion in electric vehicle manufacturing and energy storage systems.
Lithium is a key component in rechargeable batteries used in vehicles, electronics, and grid storage applications that support renewable energy systems.
Despite the findings, officials noted that identifying a resource does not equate to immediate production. Developing lithium projects in the United States typically requires a decade or more. As of mid-2025, only a small number of projects were under construction nationwide.
The United States currently relies on imports for more than half of its lithium supply, with limited domestic production. One of the country’s primary operations is the Silver Peak lithium mine, operated by Albemarle Corporation, while global production is led by countries such as Australia and Chile, with refining capacity largely concentrated in China.
In response to growing demand, Donald Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 directing federal agencies to accelerate permitting processes, prioritize mining on federal lands, and expand financing tools, including authorities under the Defense Production Act, to support domestic mineral development.
The findings are expected to inform future policy discussions as the United States evaluates strategies to strengthen supply chains for critical materials used in energy and technology sectors.
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