Researchers in Pennsylvania say they didn’t have to dig to find a huge source of a critical mineral. In a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the University of Pittsburgh researchers say wastewater from fracking in the state could provide up to 40% of the national demand for lithium, a key element in rechargeable batteries. Much of America’s lithium currently comes from countries including China and Chile, but the government is seeking to make the supply 100% domestic by 2030, CBS Pittsburgh reports.

• A beneficial use of waste: “This is a waste stream, and we’re looking at a beneficial use of that waste,” says lead researcher Justin Mackey, a National Energy Technology Laboratory scientist. He says researchers knew that wastewater from Marcellus Shale gas wells picked up some minerals from the shale, but until now, they “just didn’t know how much was in there,” the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. He says the wastewater “has as high lithium concentrations as both brine mining operations in Arkansas and in Chile.”

PENNSYLVANIA — Even with recent pay increases, teacher salaries in Pennsylvania and elsewhere around the country haven’t kept pace with inflation over the past decade, according to a new report from the National Education Association.

When adjusted for inflation, the nation’s K-12 public school teachers made 5 percent less than they did 10 years ago, according to the report. The report is based on 2022-23 school year data and projected 2023–24 data.

Pennsylvania’s average starting teacher salary of $49,083 in 2022-23 ranked No. 12 in the country, while the average teacher salary of $74,945 ranked No. 11, the report showed.

The average minimum living wage is $57,664 in Pennsylvania, for a pay gap of 84 cents in 2022-23.

Educational support personnel in Pennsylvania earned an average of $35,500 during the same period, ranking No. 14.

Per-pupil spending in Pennsylvania for the 2022-23 school year was $20,264, which ranked No. 12 in the nation.

Noting that low pay limits the ability of schools to attract and retain high quality teachers, the NEA warned a widespread educator shortage is looming amid sagging morale across the profession.

Nationwide, the recent teacher pay hikes represent the largest year-over-year increase in more than a decade. But educators overall are inadequately paid and greater investments in public education are needed to maintain the momentum, the national teacher’s union said.

Overall, the report showed: