Oregon's $1.5 Trillion Lithium Deposit: Boom or Bust?
2025-05-10
A massive lithium deposit in Oregon's McDermitt Caldera, estimated at $1.5 trillion, promises a boost to domestic battery production but sparks concerns about environmental damage and cultural impacts. While proponents highlight the potential for economic development and reduced reliance on foreign lithium, opponents worry about the effects on sensitive wildlife habitats and sacred Indigenous sites. The debate mirrors similar controversies in Nevada, focusing on water resources and the long-term ecological consequences of large-scale extraction. The question remains whether the economic benefits outweigh the potential environmental and cultural costs.
Tech
lithium mining