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The U.S. recently discovered a massive lithium deposit beneath California’s Salton Sea.

Salton Sea
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About the Salton Sea:

  • The Salton Sea is located below sea level in the southeastern part of California’s Imperial Valley.
  • It is a Known Geothermal Resource Area (KGRA) with about 400 MW of geothermal electricity-generation capacity.
  • It was accidentally created in the early 20th century when the Colorado River breached an irrigation canal, causing water to flow into the Salton Sink.
  • The water in the Salton Sea comes from agricultural runoff, and it lacks any natural outflows.
  • It serves as an essential habitat for migratory birds, but environmental changes have led to concerns about its impact on wildlife.
  • Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) Technologies can be employed to extract lithium from this reserve.
    • DLE is capable of harvesting the metal quickly and are sustainable.

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