Document Type
Legislative Science and Technology Note
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
Lithium (Li) is an element used in cell phones, pharmaceuticals, military technologies, electric vehicles and more, often in the form of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) classifies lithium as a critical mineral. A recent scientific paper published in the journal Nature found that it may be possible to extract significant amounts of lithium (up to 40% of US annual consumption) from Marcellus Shale gas production wastewater in Pennsylvania. These results could also apply to Marcellus wells in West Virginia. The Marcellus Shale is a geological formation beneath parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia (see figure). This Science and Technology Note considers potential challenges and benefits of pursuing lithium co-production with natural gas in West Virginia.
Recommended Citation
Nesselrodt, Ryan, "Potential Lithium Extraction from West Virginia Natural Gas Activity" (2024). Bridge Initiative for Science and Technology Policy, Leadership, and Communications. 21.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/bridge_initiative/21