Unlocking the Mystery: Researchers Discover ‘Alien’ Phenomenon Beneath Earth’s Largest Lithium Reserves

A recent study reveals an intriguing twist in lithium-rich brines: it’s boron, not carbonate, that significantly influences their chemistry. This insight could change how we approach lithium mining and manage wastewater from extraction.

Published in Science Advances, this research reshapes our understanding of lithium sources essential for renewable energy. Typically, lithium is sourced from brines found beneath salt flats, like the famous Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, home to the largest known lithium reserve. Unlike regular saline waters that follow carbonate chemistry, these lithium-laden brines showcase a unique chemistry dominated by boron.

Avner Vengosh, a professor at Duke University and a key researcher, explains, “The pH of these brines is mostly influenced by boron. It’s like exploring a new world in geochemistry.” This shift in chemistry indicates that lithium extraction processes might require a fresh approach.

The team concentrated their research on the Salar de Uyuni. Here, miners pump brine from underground into evaporation ponds. As the water evaporates, the brine concentrates lithium and boron. The study found that brine in these ponds is more acidic compared to natural samples, primarily due to high boron levels affecting pH.

Paz Nativ, a postdoctoral researcher on the team, added, “By combining chemical analysis with geochemical modeling, we identified how different boron molecules influence brine alkalinity.” This deeper understanding of chemistry could enhance mining processes significantly.

This research isn’t limited to one location. The team analyzed over 300 brine samples from the Lithium Triangle, which includes parts of Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia, as well as the Tibetan Plateau. Their consistent findings confirm that boron is crucial in determining brine pH and alkalinity, impacting lithium extraction methods globally.

Gordon Williams, a Ph.D. student in the Vengosh Lab, summarized, “We built a geochemical database and found that boron is often the leading factor in brine alkalinity.” This insight could pave the way for developing more efficient extraction techniques and better wastewater management, potentially improving the environmental sustainability of lithium mining.

As the demand for lithium grows—driven by electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies—this discovery is timely. Understanding boron’s role might help miners optimize their methods, benefiting both the economy and the environment.

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