Korean Media: Lithium Deposit Found in U.S. Enough to Manufacture 500 Billion Smartphones!
On June 3, South Korean media outlet Today's Digital published an article stating that recent surveys have revealed vast lithium resources beneath the Appalachian region of the United States, capable of supplying lithium for hundreds of years—opening new possibilities for the U.S. to achieve self-sufficiency in core materials for batteries and electronic products.
The U.S. Geological Survey recently reported that approximately 2.3 million tons of lithium oxide are deposited in the pegmatite formations across the eastern United States.
This resource is primarily concentrated underground in North Carolina and South Carolina, with additional deposits found in western Maine and parts of New Hampshire. According to analysis by the U.S. business magazine Fortune, based on current demand levels, this reserve could replace about 328 years' worth of imported lithium.
If this newly discovered lithium can be recovered at a commercial scale, it would be sufficient to produce batteries for roughly 130 million electric vehicles—enough to manufacture 500 billion smartphones and billions of laptops and tablets.
Given China’s current dominance in lithium-ion battery production, this discovery holds significant importance for diversifying U.S. supply chains. Lithium-ion battery technology is widely used in systems requiring fast charging and long lifespan, and demand continues to grow steadily.
However, a major challenge remains before actual mining begins: ensuring the feasibility of the extraction process. Currently, the U.S. produces only about 610 tons of lithium annually—accounting for just 0.3% of global output—with most refining and processing still conducted overseas.
Refining capacity, environmental permitting, and infrastructure development are considered key variables determining production timelines.
Industry experts emphasize that merely discovering the resource does not mean immediate production can begin. The timing of when the Appalachian lithium deposits will actually enter the market is expected to depend largely on the speed of permit approvals and the pace of expansion of refining facilities.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866977280302088/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.