Massive US Lithium Deposit Could End Reliance on Imports

In a groundbreaking geological survey, scientists have uncovered a staggering amount of lithium—enough to fulfill global demand for the next six years. This discovery, led by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), reveals between 5 million and 19 million tons of lithium reserves nestled within the Smackover Formation, primarily located in southern Arkansas.

The Smackover Formation spans six states, from Florida’s Gulf Coast through Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Researchers utilized cutting-edge artificial intelligence to create a detailed map of this promising region, indicating that the reserves could effectively end the U.S.’s dependency on lithium imports.

“Our research was able to estimate the total lithium present in the southwestern portion of Smackover in Arkansas for the first time,” said Katherine Knierim, a hydrologist and the study’s principal researcher. “We estimate there is enough dissolved lithium present in that region to replace U.S. imports of lithium and more.”

While the figures are impressive, the study’s authors emphasize that these projections are preliminary. The entire area has not been fully sampled, leaving room for further investigation.

“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,” stated USGS Director David Applegate. “This study illustrates the value of science in addressing economically important issues.”

Before this monumental find, U.S. lithium reserves were barely above 1 million tons—significantly overshadowed by major producers like Chile, Australia, and Argentina, which hold 9.3 million, 6.2 million, and 3.6 million tons respectively. If the study’s estimates prove accurate, the U.S. could vault into a position as one of the largest lithium holders globally, trailing only Bolivia (23 million tons) and Argentina (22 million tons), with China holding 6.8 million tons.

Currently, the U.S. imports more than 25% of the lithium used in manufacturing. Argentina accounts for 51% of these imports, while Chile provides 43%, and China only 3%. Notably, Australian lithium mines are the most productive in the world, according to the USGS report.

China remains the dominant player in the lithium market, producing and exporting 64% of the global supply. In 2023 alone, it sold over $65 billion worth of lithium, making it a powerhouse in this essential sector.

Lithium is primarily known for its critical role in powering a wide range of technology products, especially batteries. From electric cars and smartphones to laptops and power tools, lithium batteries are integral to modern life. However, their rise has not been without controversy. In New York City, lithium batteries used in e-scooters and electric bicycles have been linked to spontaneous fires, raising safety concerns.

Just last week, a tragic incident in Brighton Beach claimed the life of a 69-year-old man due to a lithium-ion battery fire, marking the fourth death from such incidents this year. “We’re messaging that lithium-ion batteries that are unregulated, that you’re buying in places that are unregulated, kill people,” said FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker. “We appreciate the public hearing us, and we will not stop.”

Tucker continued, “Although deaths have decreased because people are listening, this is number four, and it’s too many. I will not stop talking about unregulated lithium-ion batteries and the dangers that they cause until we’re at zero.”

As the U.S. grapples with the dual realities of a potential lithium boom and safety concerns, the implications for industry and public safety are profound. The lithium landscape is shifting, and all eyes will be on the Smackover Formation as this story unfolds.