🪨 Major deposit of "kryptonite" discovered in Europe, with exceptional energy potential

A mineral discovered in Serbia is intriguing scientists... and Superman fans. Jadarite, nicknamed "real kryptonite", could play a major role in the energy transition. While it doesn't strip any powers from a superhero, it has very interesting characteristics for energy storage.


Discovered in 2004 by geologists from Rio Tinto, jadarite is a white mineral, unremarkable at first glance. But under ultraviolet light, it becomes fluorescent with a pink-orange glow.

What makes jadarite truly valuable is its richness in lithium, a metal essential for manufacturing rechargeable batteries used in electric cars or energy storage systems.


Australian researchers from ANSTO have developed a process to efficiently extract lithium from jadarite. This process would allow production of materials suitable for modern batteries, while limiting environmental impact.

With global battery demand constantly increasing, jadarite could become a strategic resource for Europe. Unlike other extraction methods, its processing could be cleaner and more sustainable.