Lithium mining poses potential risks to water quality and environment: study

Lithium mining could significantly affect water quality which can in turn affect the quality of life.

A study from Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment found elevated levels of certain metals in water sources near a historic mine in North Carolina. The research, led by Avner Vengosh, Distinguished Professor of Environmental Quality, focused on the abandoned lithium mine near Kings Mountain and was published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

Researchers found that while common pollutants like arsenic, lead, copper, and nickel were within safe limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), levels of lithium, rubidium, and cesium were unusually high in both groundwater and nearby surface water. These metals, though not federally regulated, were found at concentrations far above typical levels for the region.

Lead author Gordon Williams, a PhD candidate at Duke University, noted that the findings raise concerns about the potential health and environmental impacts of these elements. Laboratory tests further demonstrated that the mine's waste material did not contribute to acidic runoff, a common issue in mining, particularly with coal operations.

Findings highlight the need to better understand the environmental consequences of modern lithium mining and processing.

Vengosh emphasized that while this research documented the effects of a legacy mine, active lithium extraction could introduce new challenges for water systems due to chemical treatments used in processing.

Plans are now underway to expand the research to include drinking water assessments in lithium-rich regions of North Carolina. The team will analyze private wells and surface water sources to evaluate the long-term impacts of lithium mining on water quality, providing crucial insights for communities and policymakers as lithium demand continues to grow.