Demand for lithium a potential boon for Nevada
The Chemetall Foote Lithium Operation in Clayton Valley, a dry lake bed in Esmeralda County. Photo/Doc Searls
By Ben Botkin, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Deep within the bowels of Nevada, a mineral found in the underground brines represents a potential growth industry for the Silver State.
Lithium, used in car batteries, ceramics and even anti-depressant medications, is mined in one place in the U.S.: Nevada.
State mining regulators are working on Assembly Bill 52, which would create a framework for lithium mining and exploration in Nevada. State officials say it would add clarity to a system that requires explorers to rely on water well regulations and waivers to sample brines for lithium from drilled wells.