Abandoned Lithium Mine Leaves Unusual Elemental Imprint in Waters

A study on a historic lithium mine in North Carolina reveals low levels of common contaminants like arsenic and lead in surrounding waters, but high levels of lithium, rubidium, and cesium, which are not federally regulated. The research, published in Science of The Total Environment, highlights potential water quality impacts of legacy lithium mining and provides baseline data for future studies on the effects of reopening lithium mines in the region. The study also notes that the mine does not contribute to acidic runoff, unlike other mining operations.