Arkansas Strikes Lithium Gold: A Battery Savior?

The US Geological Survey reveals southwestern Arkansas' Smackover Formation harbors 5–19 million tons of lithium, potentially outpacing global EV battery demand ninefold by 2030. ExxonMobil aims to kickstart production by 2027, targeting supply for over a million electric vehicles yearly. This bounty could slash U.S. lithium imports (currently 25%) and boost energy independence. However, eco-concerns and land disputes add a charged twist to Arkansas’ lithium rush!