Lithium deposit valued at $1.5 trillion has been discovered in the U.S.

A recently discovered lithium deposit in Oregon's McDermitt Caldera, valued at $1.5 trillion, has sparked debate over its potential benefits for electric vehicle supply chains and the environmental impact on local wildlife and cultural sites. The deposit, estimated to contain 20–40 million metric tons of lithium, could significantly boost domestic battery production. However, concerns have been raised by local communities and tribes about the potential harm to ecosystems and sacred sites. The proposal by HiTech Minerals Inc. to test for lithium has faced criticism for insufficient public consultation. While some see the deposit as an opportunity for economic development, others argue that the ecological and cultural costs may outweigh the benefits.