Unlocking Hidden Wealth: Lithium Found in Shale Pyrites
Amidst a global surge in demand for lithium, necessary for electric vehicle batteries, researchers at West Virginia University are exploring new sources of lithium by investigating past industrial sites. Led by Professor Shikha Sharma, their study reveals that organic-rich shale, particularly in interaction with pyrite, shows promise for sustainable lithium extraction. These findings, which will be presented at the 2024 European Geosciences Union General Assembly, suggest that by-products like shale pyrite could be key to reducing the environmental impact of lithium mining.
