A new study reveals that Arkansas may hold vast lithium reserves, enough to meet global demand for the mineral nine times over. Conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Energy and the Environment, the study estimates that the southwestern portion of the Smackover Formation contains between 5 million and 19 million tons of lithium.
Lithium, a crucial element in various industries, is typically imported by the United States from countries like Argentina, Chile, and China. The discovery of these significant reserves could greatly reduce U.S. reliance on foreign sources. Katherine Knierim, a USGS researcher, stated, “We estimate there is enough dissolved lithium present in that region to replace U.S. imports of lithium and more.”
While these estimates are promising, further research is required to determine how much of this lithium can be extracted using modern recovery methods. The Smackover Formation stretches across multiple states, including Texas and Louisiana, making it one of the largest domestic lithium deposits.
This discovery could be a major breakthrough for U.S. resource independence, ensuring the nation has access to this critical mineral for decades to come. By tapping into these reserves, Arkansas has the potential to play a key role in securing the nation’s mineral needs.
