But how much of it is commercially recoverable?
But challenges in its extraction and production must first be addressed.
The United States currently relies on imports for more than 25 percent of its lithium needs.
If commercially recoverable, the lithium reserves in Arkansas could have far-reaching implications.
However, extracting lithium from the Smackover Formation will be challenging.
The lithium is dissolved in brines associated with deep salt deposits, which complicates extraction processes.
This brine often contains dissolved lithium.
DLE technologies can selectively extract lithium ions directly from the waste streams, bypassing the need for evaporation ponds.
The process is significantly faster than traditional methods, reducing extraction time from months or years to just weeks.
Unfortunately, DLE involves higher expenses compared to traditional approaches, according to the consulting firm Wood Mackenzie.
“We know we have an attractive resource.
We’re working on understanding that cost equation, understanding the supply-and-demand picture.”
