“Ellie Baker: Southwest Arkansas’s perspective on lithium opportunities”

Arkansas

“Ellie Baker: Southwest Arkansas’s perspective on lithium opportunities

As the global energy landscape evolves, Arkansas seeks to remain economically competitive by leveraging its unique assets. Each corner of our state offers distinct advantages, and southwest Arkansas is no exception, boasting a rich deposit of natural resources, including the increasingly popular lithium.

Now, it’s our time to shine. Southwest Arkansas will seize this growth opportunity that could carry us into the next century. The idea of adding global lithium production to our list of livelihoods is incredible. The world is changing, and we must ensure that the decisions we make today benefit future generations even more.

Over the years, geological surveys have revealed rich lithium deposits in the Smackover Formation right here in southwest Arkansas. Lithium is essential for modern batteries, powering everything from electric cars to smartphones. It’s a rare and valuable resource, making investors eager to find new domestic sources, especially as the U.S. aims for energy independence. Our lithium deposits could eventually supply up to 15% of the world’s lithium, ushering in a new era for our state.

To tap into this resource, Arkansas has started forming partnerships with industry leaders and global companies. These investments will create facilities using nonintrusive wells to extract lithium-rich brines from thousands of feet below the surface. These facilities will then process the lithium on-site, aligning with the goal of producing enough to power millions of batteries for cars, tools, and more.”