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USGS Finds Up to 19 Million Tons of Lithium in Arkansas's Smackover Formation

Oct 24, 2024, 06:07 PM

A study released by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has revealed that the Smackover Formation in southwestern Arkansas may contain between 5 and 19 million tons of lithium, a critical mineral often referred to as 'white gold.' According to USGS hydrologist Katherine Knierim, "We estimate there is enough dissolved lithium present in that region to replace U.S. imports of lithium and more." The potential reserves are so vast that they could satisfy the projected global lithium demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries nine times over by 2030. This discovery could significantly boost domestic lithium production, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and bolster the U.S. EV industry. USGS Director David Applegate commented, "Lithium is a critical mineral for the energy transition, and the potential for increased U.S. production to replace imports has implications for employment, manufacturing, and supply-chain resilience."