Home / Business and Economy / US Unearths $2.3 Trillion 'White Gold' Lithium Trove
US Unearths $2.3 Trillion 'White Gold' Lithium Trove
30 Jan
Summary
- Arkansas holds an estimated 19 million tons of lithium.
- New chemical extraction process will enable harvesting by 2028.
- This discovery could significantly reduce US dependence on China.
The United States may soon tap into a substantial $2.3 trillion treasure of lithium, a vital component for batteries and technology. An estimated 19 million tons of this 'white gold' has been identified underground in Arkansas within the Smackover Formation.
New chemical extraction technology, known as Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), is expected to allow for the harvesting of this lithium by 2028. Standard Lithium, a commercial entity, is developing a processing plant in Lewisville, Arkansas, with federal support, aiming to establish the US as a major global lithium supplier.
This vast resource could alleviate the nation's current dependence on China, which dominates approximately 70 percent of the global lithium supply. The DLE process involves extracting lithium-rich saltwater, filtering out the mineral, and returning the water to underground reservoirs within 24 hours.
The Smackover Formation, a large underground limestone structure dating back to the Jurassic period, contains significant brine deposits. Its potential for lithium extraction was highlighted in a study published in Science Advances, suggesting ample supply for global electric car demands.
Standard Lithium's DLE technology, patented in 2022 and commercialized in 2024, represents a significant advancement. This development is crucial for securing critical minerals needed for national defense, industry, and consumer electronics for decades to come.
