A new US Geological Survey (USGS) study published in Natural Resources Research estimates that the Appalachian region contains large lithium resources, including about 1.43 million metric tons of lithium oxide in the southern Appalachians and 900,000 metric tons in the north. The lithium is found in pegmatite rock formations, particularly in areas across the Carolinas, Maine, and New Hampshire.
The study suggests these deposits could significantly contribute to U.S. mineral security as lithium demand rises for batteries used in electric vehicles, electronics, and energy storage. Researchers estimate that a portion of these resources may be economically recoverable, though the exact amount depends on market conditions and future development.
The USGS notes that the findings are based on probabilistic geological modeling and reflect uncertainty in total resource estimates. It also highlights that the United States has historically relied heavily on lithium imports, making domestic sources increasingly important for supply security.
