There's Lithium in them there hills

[freebeard]

Via PDW: www.earth.com; Volcanic white gold: A lithium deposit valued at $1.5 trillion has been discovered in the U.S.

McDermitt Caldera in Oregon is attracting attention for what could be one of the largest lithium deposits ever identified in the United States. Many view it as a potential boost for domestic battery production, while local communities voice concern over the impact on wildlife and cultural sites.

The excitement stems from estimates that value the deposit at about $1.5 trillion. Some geologists say these ancient volcanic sediments could contain between 20 and 40 million metric tons of lithium.

They give a fair assessment of the two sides, pro and con.

Let the Boring company move all the mining underground.

If it starts with drilling all over to survey the deposits; then I'm in favor of drone airship drilling rigs. Maybe a toroidal envelope with quardcopter propulsion.