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🗞️ Driving the news: Researchers estimate that southern Arkansas's Smackover Formation may contain up to 19 million tons of lithium, a critical mineral for batteries in electric vehicles and electronics
• This potential resource could represent 35-136% of the current U.S. lithium resource estimate
• The findings, published in Science Advances, highlight significant implications for the U.S. lithium supply chain and energy independence
🔭 The context: The Smackover Formation, a geologic unit formed from an ancient sea, spans several U.S. states and has long been known for its brine deposits
• The research utilized machine learning to map lithium concentrations in the formation's brines, suggesting vast untapped potential
• As global demand for lithium is projected to surge over 40 times by 2040, securing domestic sources is crucial for reducing reliance on imports
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Lithium is essential for the energy transition, enabling the growth of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage
• Developing domestic lithium resources can reduce the environmental impact of overseas mining and support sustainable supply chains
• It also bolsters U.S. efforts to meet climate goals by facilitating the shift away from fossil fuels
⏭️ What's next: The discovery could lead to increased exploration and investment in lithium extraction in the U.S., potentially transforming Arkansas into a major player in the global lithium market
• Further studies will be needed to confirm the feasibility of extraction and the economic viability of large-scale production
• Regulatory considerations and environmental impacts will also play a key role in development
💬 One quote: “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” — David Applegate, USGS Director
📈 One stat: The Smackover Formation could hold up to 19 million tons of lithium, which amounts to as much as 136% of the current U.S. lithium resource estimate
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