Rio Tinto was looking for gold in piles of waste rock in California when it found something with greater potential. The actual location of the Californian lithium bonanza is a secret, although no doubt phone lines are buzzing around the world. However, we understand it may be a site in the Mojave Desert where it mines borates for soaps and cosmetics. Financial Times thinks this may be the ‘eureka moment’ for which America has been waiting.
Rio Tinto May Command the U.S. Market with Californian Lithium
Financial Times cites Rio Tinto saying “it could become the largest producer of lithium for batteries in the U.S. If it can successfully process the rock on a larger scale,” that is.
The discovery “may pave the way for Rio’s entry into the lithium market,” which is great news for electric vehicles. South America and Australia currently dominate the global lithium mining industry. Could the Californian lithium discovery encourage greater interest among America’s green energy skeptics? We sure hope that is the case in terms of resources for cooling down our future climate.
However, Slow Down for We Are Not There Yet
“Our team … did some testing to look for valuable minerals in our waste rock and found high grades of lithium.” So says Bold Baatar, chief executive of energy and minerals at Rio Tinto. However, he adds a rider and we need to note this.
“If the trials continue to be successful, this has potential to become America’s largest domestic producer of battery grade lithium.” And all without the need for further mining which is more great news for managing emissions. If the pilot program succeeds then Rio Tinto may invest $50m in an industrial scale plant.
We shall have to see what happens to the Californian lithium discovery going forward. However, we have no doubt prospectors large and small are taking a new interest in California’s mine tailings. Has anybody seen the office metal detector?
Related
Panamint Valley at Risk as Lithium Pushes
Batteries Are Key to Renewables in California
Preview Image: Screenshot of Rio Tinto Borates Mine from Google Earth
