Researchers have discovered lithium hidden in pyrite within ancient shale rocks—an unexpected find that could reshape how we source this critical battery material. It raises the possibility of extracting lithium from existing waste, reducing the need for new mining. That same reactivity, however, is what makes lithium so useful. In batteries, lithium easily moves between different chemical states, allowing it to store and release energy efficiently. This is why lithium-ion batteries are central to modern technol... [3683 chars]