US discovers 2.3 million metric ton lithium deposit that could power 130 million EVs

USGS estimates the Appalachian region holds about 2.3 million metric tons of undiscovered, economically recoverable lithium.

Most of the resource appears to be in the southern Appalachians, with additional deposits in the north.

The find could support large-scale EV battery and grid-storage production and help reduce U.S. dependence on imported lithium.

USGS says the assessment can inform policy, permitting, and workforce planning as lithium demand rises.