Robots would prospect the area to determine where to mine. That reconnaissance would be aimed at doing as little damage as possible, said Jamal Rostami, a professor of mining engineering at the Colorado School of Mines.

However, lithium has been found in other hard rock mines in the region, said Steve Enders, the mining engineering department head at the Colorado School of Mines.

“Having a more highly educated population in your state is going to be a good thing for your economy and society in general, in the long run,” said Paul Johnson, president of the Colorado School of Mines.