'White gold' rush: US lithium industry sparks hopes and fears in California The volcanic subsoil of Imperial Valley in Southern California is home to one of the world's largest lithium deposits. The mineral is key to producing batteries for electric cars. But the local community could be completely transformed by the arrival of the lithium industry. While thousands of jobs might be created, the environment risks paying a price. Our US West Coast correspondents Wassim Cornet and Pierrick Leurent report on locals' hopes and fears.