Massive Lithium deposit potential worth $1.5 trillion found in Oregon — a huge cache could massively strengthen the US stance in building items such as smartphones, but environmentalists urge caution in acting too fast

Miners hold in their hands platinum or silver or rare earth minerals found in the mine for inspection and consideration.

• Oregon’s volcanic sediments may contain one of America’s largest lithium reserves ever discovered
• Residents fear mining expansion could permanently damage fragile desert wildlife habitats nearby
• Mining companies want hundreds of wells drilled across Oregon’s remote high desert terrain

Geologists have identified what could be one of the largest lithium deposits ever found in the United States beneath Oregon's McDermitt Caldera.