Via the Green River Star:
Southwest Wyoming might have the most lithium in the United States. The University of Wyoming’s Carbon Management Institute discovered the deposits as part of their CO2 storage research project for the Rock Springs Uplift, which is east of Rock Springs and north of Point of Rocks. According to UW News, the 25-mile area might have 228,000 tons of lithium which would handle all U.S. demand, and it’s possible there could be up to 18 million tons of lithium in the area. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, world production and reserves of lithium in 2011 was 34 million tons.
The demand for lithium worldwide has increased because it is used in so many electronics. Lithium batteries are used in laptop computers and other portable electronics and in power tools. Car manufacturers are also starting to use lithium batteries more often for hybrid and electric vehicles.
“Given how valuable it is, it’s very exciting. It helps diversify our mining industries,” Wyoming Governor Matt Mead said.
He added he hoped the reserves turned out to be immense, and if it was, he said southwest Wyoming would know how to take advantage of it. Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce Director Dave Hanks said the finding was significant, but added there would be economic hurdles to developing it. He explained it was good knowing about it for future use.
The rest here.