Arkansas might be home to a significant resource that could transform global energy needs: lithium, often referred to as “white gold” or “the new gasoline,” which is crucial for batteries.

This discovery is vital because renewable energy systems rely heavily on batteries, and lithium is a key ingredient in these batteries. Unfortunately, the global supply is limited, especially in the United States.

A recent report from the U.S. Geological Survey indicates that the U.S. could possess substantial lithium resources located in ancient brine dating back to the Jurassic era, buried deep in southern Arkansas.

The USGS estimates that this location could house between 5 and 19 million tons of lithium—sufficient to fulfil the predicted global demand for lithium batteries in electric vehicles nearly nine times, according to their statement.

However, the challenge lies in how to extract this lithium without causing environmental damage or disrupting the water table. Extracting lithium is notoriously complex and associated with depletion of water resources and various other environmental concerns.

This find in Arkansas isn’t unique; numerous countries also contain significant, hard-to-access lithium deposits. However, Arkansas has already attracted the interest of companies like Exxon, which are eager to create viable methods for mining this precious metal.

Understanding Lithium and Its Importance

Lithium is a soft, silvery-white metal that is highly reactive and flammable, requiring it to be stored in a vacuum or inert gas such as argon, or in substances like mineral oil.

This metal is essential for creating fast-charging, long-lasting batteries, making lithium-ion batteries the preferred choice for smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and large-scale energy storage systems.

As the world moves from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, lithium is becoming increasingly scarce. Large-scale battery systems are crucial for storing energy generated during sunny and windy periods for later use.

The need for lithium is particularly pronounced in regions with abundant wind and solar resources, like the U.S. “wind corridor” stretching from North Dakota and Montana down to western Texas, as well as the southeast and southwest for solar power.

Is There Enough Lithium in the U.S.?

Currently, the U.S. imports about 25% of its lithium, as reported by the USGS. The country is trying to increase its domestic battery production, as most batteries are currently supplied by China. Securing essential minerals, particularly lithium, is part of a federal initiative to safeguard U.S. manufacturing and supply chains.

Lithium can be extracted from hard rock mines, clay deposits, or ancient brines.

How Did Arkansas Accumulate Such Lithium Deposits?

Arkansas is situated in the Smackover Formation, a remnant of a sea that existed 200 million years ago covering parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. While this region is known for its rich oil deposits, research has revealed that it also contains significant lithium reserves dissolved in saline water deep underground.

These lithium reserves are located in southern Arkansas, and with advancements in drilling technology, they are becoming more accessible. The main challenge now is to develop the means to extract the brine and obtain lithium efficiently.

A recent USGS study evaluated these lithium reserves.

“We estimate there is enough dissolved lithium in that area to furnish U.S. lithium needs and more,” stated Katherine Knierim, a hydrologist at USGS and the lead researcher of the study.

She warned that these estimates do not account for the processes necessary to bring the lithium to the surface and extract it from the brine.

Challenges Faced in Lithium Mining

The high cost and rarity of lithium are largely due to the complexities involved in its extraction. In various locations, mining activities have raised concerns about water depletion and other environmental problems.

In Nevada, some farmers report that lithium mines have depleted the freshwater aquifer supplying their wells. In California, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency disclosed that a lithium mining operation unlawfully drained 1,200 acres of vulnerable wetlands as part of a settlement.

Exxon has already started exploring methods to access Arkansas’ lithium and develop technologies for extraction from brine. They initiated their first lithium drilling project in the state last year, aiming to become a leading lithium provider by 2030.