Mount Everest rises in the Himalayas, where the Qomolangma Nature Reserve is also located. This natural park is very important for tourism in China. Along the same lines, the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has found a lithium deposit in Qiongjiagan, considered “white gold.” This deposit aims to replace imports from Australia and South America, in countries such as Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. The discovery was made by Qin Kezhang and has a direct impact on the United States. On the other hand, Afghanistan’s reserves are controlled by the Taliban. Keep reading to learn more.
Lithium was never this popular: everybody is looking for more sources
That perspective is starting to be different. As the requirement for lithium maintains climbing, countries and companies are at this time in a race to lock down the mineral that fuels everything from phones to electric cars. Supply shortages, geopolitical tensions, and the exigency of the clean energy transition have turned lithium deposits into one of the most sought-after resources on Earth. And currently, the spotlight has swung toward one of the most unlikely—and controversial—areas.
High in the Himalayas, scientists in China have uncovered a find that could be among the biggest ever recorded. At more than 18,000 feet up sea level, the achievement increases tough answers about the balance among economic gain and protecting the surroundings. What happens in this fragile corner of the world won’t just affect China’s energy plans—it could also modify the future of one of Earth’s most famous view.
China has discovered a recent lithium deposit on the biggest mountain in the world
Chinese investigators may have discovered a major lithium deposit close to Mount Everest, potentially ranking as China’s third-largest. The deposit, named as Qiongjiagang, could contain more than a million tonnes of lithium oxide, though its exact value is still being examinated. If totally exploited, it might supply a big aid to the country’s economy. The investigations comes from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). According to their achievements, Qiongjiagang sits in a favorable area, roughly three kilometers from the Qomolangma nature preserve.
The deposit is more or less shallow, and the ore quality appears strong enough to be considered industrially valuable. The project is still in the early “pre-study” phase, and actual extraction keeps years away, according to the investigation team lead, Qin Kezhang. Lithium has been called the “new oil” or “white gold” because of its role in batteries for electric vehicles.
Industry leaders do not have access to the material
Nowadays, most of China’s lithium has its origin from the Lithium Triangle in South America, covering Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile, while Australia also produces important amounts. The deposit close to Everest is spodumene, the same kind found in Australia, which could decrease the country reliance on imports. Lithium prices have surged recently, reaching over two million yuan ($316,000) per tonne in early February – four times last year’s price.
The race among the United States and China could be even more strong if this power is unlocked. At the same time the tariffs keep to make the headlines, the Asian country appears to be comfortable with the competition – in specific by the time it comes to investigate the cosmos.
The look for lithium could cause political tension
Global tensions and supply-chain concerns have politicized lithium, making brand new sources specially sensitive. Environmental groups and local communities in Europe oppose lithium projects, slowing the development of critical supply chains. In the same time, Beijing is also ´searching lithium reserves in Afghanistan, estimated at $1-$3 trillion, following the Taliban takeover. Having the chance to look for lithium in places that weren’t explored yet could be good for the industry going forward, since it is still a vital part of building cellphones and computers.
