This is a rendering of Tesla's proposed lithium refining facility in Texas.
© Angela Piazza/Caller-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Pittsburgh, PA) – Lithium — the metal used in things like the rechargeable batteries in our cell phones — is considered a “critical” metal by the US Geological Survey. And a massive amount of lithium has just been discovered in Pennsylvania.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh say the discovery could eventually provide more than one-third of the overall need for the US. Not only are lithium batteries used in cell phones — nearly anything that contains a rechargeable battery needs lithium — including electric vehicles and scooters.
Experts say lithium is considered an essential part of the US economy in terms of manufacturing, energy, and defense.
