The U.S. Geological Survey has discovered that Arkansas may have lithium reserves of up to 19 million tons. Lithium is a key mineral for manufacturing rechargeable batteries, and researchers say that this discovery means the U.S. has abundant lithium resources to replace imported supplies, which is crucial for the flexibility of America’s critical mineral supply chain.
On Monday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced a new assessment method that combines water testing and machine learning in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, revealing that the Smackover Formation in southern Arkansas may contain lithium reserves ranging from 5.1 million to 19 million tons.
Lead researcher and hydrologist Katherine Knierim stated, “We estimate that the dissolved lithium in this region is sufficient to replace current U.S. imports of lithium, and even more.”
Knierim remarked, “The successful completion of this important study was made possible through our solid partnership with the Arkansas Geological Survey office.”
According to USGS, the Smackover Formation is a relic of ancient oceans dating back to the Jurassic geological period. It has left behind a vast, porous, and highly permeable limestone geological unit covering southern Arkansas, as well as parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
USGS utilized machine learning technology to analyze brine samples from various locations, mapping the total lithium concentration in the entire region and evaluating the overall lithium content in the brines of the Smackover Formation.
The results showed that the formation contains between 5.1 million and 19 million tons of lithium, accounting for 35% to 136% of the estimated total U.S. lithium resources.
Even with just 5 million tons, this amount is equivalent to more than 9 times the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) projected global demand for lithium in electric vehicles by 2030.
Lithium is an essential mineral in battery manufacturing, and global demand for lithium has significantly increased in recent years. With the ongoing shift from fuel-powered cars to electric and hybrid vehicles, the demand for lithium is expected to continue rising.
The lithium production and processing industry in the U.S. is still emerging and currently dominated by countries like China, Chile, and Australia.
USGS Director David Applegate stated, “Lithium is a crucial mineral for energy transition, and increasing U.S. production to replace imports could enhance job markets, manufacturing, and supply chain resilience. This study highlights the value of science in addressing critical economic issues.”
The full research report by the U.S. Geological Survey can be accessed here.