Research from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reveals a massive lithium deposit in the state of Arkansas, which has the potential to revolutionize the global electric vehicle industry.
Using advanced water testing technology combined with machine learning, researchers estimate that an area in Arkansas contains approximately 5 to 19 million tons of lithium, sufficient to meet the projected global demand for lithium for electric vehicle batteries by 2030, Newsweek reported on October 22. The discovery focuses on lithium-rich brine in the Smackover formation, an ancient seabed that extends across several southern U.S. states. This finding is particularly significant as it could reduce the United States’ reliance on imported raw materials.
A lithium mine in the state of Nevada, USA. (Photo: Fox).
“Lithium is an essential mineral for energy transition, and the potential to increase domestic production to replace imports has significant implications for jobs, manufacturing, and supply chains,” said David Applegate, director of USGS.
In the 1990s, the United States was the largest lithium producer in the world, according to the World Economic Forum. However, by 2021, it accounted for only 1% of global production, despite lithium’s critical role in driving the robust development of electric vehicles. Lithium is often referred to as the “white gold” of energy transition because of its key role in battery technology that paves the way for the green revolution.
“Our research estimates the total amount of lithium present in the southwestern region of the Smackover formation in Arkansas for the first time,” shared Katherine Knierim, the lead researcher. “We estimate there is enough dissolved lithium in that area to replace the U.S. lithium imports and go even further. These estimates are on-site assessments. We have not calculated the extractable amount based on newer methods aimed at extracting lithium from brine.”
Currently, global demand for lithium continues to soar due to the increasing use of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. The U.S. relies on imports to meet over 25% of its domestic lithium demand.
Energy company Exxon Mobil has taken several steps to exploit this promising reserve. The company has drilled exploratory wells in Arkansas and is actively assessing the economic feasibility of lithium extraction in the region. They have set ambitious production goals, aiming to start mining by 2027. By 2030, Exxon plans to produce enough lithium to supply over one million electric vehicles annually.
The Smackover formation dates back to the Jurassic period and is known for its oil and bromine reserves. This formation extends from Arkansas to Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.
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