Massive Lithium Reserves Discovered in Arkansas

New findings suggest the Smackover Formation holds enough lithium to meet global demand nine times over by 2030.

The Smackover Formation in southern Arkansas is estimated to contain 5 to 19 million tons of lithium, potentially reducing U.S. reliance on imports.
Lithium, crucial for electric vehicle batteries, is in high demand as the world transitions to renewable energy sources.
ExxonMobil plans to use direct lithium extraction technology to recover lithium from saltwater, aiming to produce enough for 1 million EV batteries annually by 2030.
The discovery could bolster U.S. energy security and supply chain resilience, aligning with federal strategies to secure critical minerals.
Environmental concerns remain about the extraction process, highlighting the need to balance resource development with ecological preservation.