
Arkansas may be sitting on one of the largest lithium deposits in the world, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The research, conducted in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Energy and the Environment, estimates that the southwestern region of the Smackover Formation holds between 5 million and 19 million tons of lithium, enough to meet global demand for the mineral nine times over.
Lithium is crucial for a range of industrial applications, and the U.S. currently imports more than 25% of its lithium, mainly from countries like Argentina and Chile. This discovery offers a significant opportunity to reduce that reliance. “We estimate there is enough dissolved lithium present in that region to replace U.S. imports of lithium and more,” said USGS hydrologist Katherine Knierim.
However, more research is needed to determine how much lithium can be extracted using modern recovery techniques. The Smackover Formation stretches across several states, including Alabama and Texas, making it one of the most promising domestic lithium sources.
If successfully tapped, Arkansas’ lithium reserves could revolutionize the U.S. mineral industry, making the nation less dependent on foreign imports. This discovery has the potential to ensure the U.S. has a steady supply of this critical resource for years to come.