Lithium discovery in northeast B.C. sparks economic potential, says Geoscience BC

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A recent study conducted by Geoscience BC shows potential locations and concentrations of lithium in the province’s northeast region.

Lithium-ion batteries are found in many devices, including smartphones, vaping devices and power tools. According to a World Bank Group report, lithium demand could grow by nearly 500 per cent by 2050.

Geoscience BC says secure sources of the metal will be essential to transition into a net-zero emissions economy.

The NEBC Lithium – Formation Water Database project tested brines from below the surface at producing natural gas wells to create the first database of lithium and other metals in northeast B.C. formation waters.

The project’s results suggest it may be beneficial to extract lithium from the brines alongside natural gas development in northeast B.C.

Geoscience BC says the project includes a detailed dataset and mapping to inform decisions by industry, Indigenous groups, government and communities.

Though the early results are promising, Geoscience BC says more sampling and analysis is needed.

The project was a collaboration between Geoscience BC, LithiumBank, Natural Resources Canada and Northern Development.

The reports and maps can be found on Geoscience BC’s website and the Earth Science Viewer online mapping application.