Scientists Discover 'White Gold' Worth $540 Billion In California Lake

White Gold in Southern California

People were surprised to discover a lake in the U.S.A. containing treasures worth an estimated $540 billion. The treasure was uncovered at the Salton Sea, a giant lake located in Southern California, Indy100 reported. Department of Energy funded research on this large lake and announced the discovery in 2023. The objective of the research was to discover the amount of lithium, also known as 'white gold', within the lake.

Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is spread across the southern Riverside and northern Imperial counties in Southern California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife reported. It is known to be the largest lake in the state of California. The Salton Sea was formed in 1905 when the floodwater from the Colorado River broke through the irrigation canal and went straight into the Salton Sink. The sea receives water from the irrigation runoff in the Imperial and Coachella valleys and local rivers. For decades, officials had suspected that the Salton Sea contained large quantities of lithium within it, IFL Science reported. Gavin Newsom, the governor of California called the lake 'Saudi Arabia of lithium.' 

Lithium Reservoir

Researchers discovered lithium possibly worth $540 billion at the bottom of the Salton Sea, Indy100 reported. As per estimates by researchers, there were around 18 million tons of lithium present beneath the lake. The lithium found in the lake could be used to operate close to 382 million electric vehicles, and in the process make the U.S.A. the leading producer of this chemical element. Michael McKibben, a geochemistry professor at the University of California who was involved in the research shared, "This is one of the largest lithium brine deposits in the world. This could make the United States completely self-sufficient in lithium and stop importing it through China." 

Process of Mining Lithium

The lithium is located 1,500 feet below the earth’s surface according to Pat Dobson, a Berkeley Lab staff scientist, SFGATE reported. Geothermal production wells have been placed to extract the lithium-rich brine from the lake. After the extraction, lithium is separated from the brine, and the remaining liquid is poured back into the water body. Experts have pointed out that the consequences of lithium mining in the lake could be potentially dangerous. Robert Schettler, a press information officer for the Imperial Irrigation District stated that the water requirement for this mining operation can put farmers of the area, in jeopardy, who already are in a vulnerable position due to resource shortage. 

Lithium Valley Boom

Local leaders are hoping that the discovery will bring economic boom to the region, CNBC reported. "We’re cautiously excited in regards to the Lithium Valley," said Maria Nava-Froelich, the mayor pro tem of Calipatria, California, where the geothermal power plants are located. "We see it as a game changer here for Imperial County." She is optimistic that the mining brings much-needed job opportunities to the region, where a huge portion of the population is plagued by unemployment. Authorities have also taxed lithium mining and as per a press release, 80% of the revenue generated through these proceedings will go directly to the county, SFGATE reported. "We need to be able to dream about this County and fully envision what it would look like if it were better for everyone and people want to come and join us," said Sara Griffen, executive director of the Imperial Valley Food Bank. "We have not been able to dream like that, because we could never afford it."