Lithium demand is projected to reach 1.5 million tons by 2025 and more than three million tons by 2030, growing exponentially due to the increased demand for elect

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

New research suggests Arkansas may be home to up to 19 million tons of lithium reserves, potentially giving the U.S. the chance to lead in the EV industry.

Federal and state researchers said there might be five million to 19 million tons of lithium, more than enough to meet the world’s demand for the battery ingredient.

Arkansas is sitting atop lithium reserves that could be vast enough to satisfy the entire world’s demand for EV batteries, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). It estimates that there could be 5 to 19 million tons of lithium under southwestern Arkansas.