Supporters of lithium mining argue that this elemental salt is essential for advancing the clean energy economy and has the potential to create thousands of jobs. Lithium is a key ingredient in batteries for a range of devices, from smartphones to electric vehicles.
However, traditional lithium extraction methods pose risks to already scarce water supplies, particularly in Nevada, the driest state in the U.S. These methods typically involve pumping briny groundwater and evaporating it to isolate lithium, exacerbating existing water challenges.
Ehsan Vahidi, a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, explains, “You extract water from underground and evaporate it in an area with water issues. That’s the major problem in Nevada.”
Recent research from Vahidi’s lab indicates that a new technique, known as Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), could use significantly less water than conventional evaporation ponds. “They claim they can recycle nearly all the water and return it to the groundwater system, eliminating evaporation,” he notes.
Vahidi’s analysis focused on a pilot DLE project in Clayton Valley, which shows promise but faces skepticism. “DLE is challenging and questionable; there are doubts about its profitability for mining companies,” he adds.
Additionally, while DLE may conserve water, it requires substantial energy. Vahidi suggests that mines could mitigate this by harnessing Nevada’s abundant solar energy to power their operations.
