The lithium mine, calculated using a machine-learning model and geological information that predicted maps of lithium concentration, represents 35% to 136% of the current amount of lithium estimated to be in the U.S. Lithium could be extracted from the waste stream of the brines—deposits of groundwater rich in minerals—in the Smackover Formation.

Energy & Environment Energy & Environment   The Big Story Arkansas could be key lithium source, study finds Arkansas’s Smackover Formation could have up to 19

Researchers say the Smackover Formation could hold enough lithium to supply global demand for years to come — if it can be commercially recovered.