Overview

• 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.