'geologic freak' called the Smackover may end America's lithium dependence on China, and Big Oil is already there

A new push to extract lithium in the Smackover Formation of southern Arkansas and East Texas could reduce U.S. dependence on China for refining, where most processing is concentrated. The U.S. currently supplies just over 1% of global lithium, largely from Albemarle’s Silver Peak mine in Nevada. Interest centers on Smackover’s high lithium concentrations in a large underground aquifer, described by Standard Lithium CEO David Park as a “geologic freak,” with potential for more than 150,000 tons per year. Standard Lithium plans to authorize its South West Arkansas Project late this year and begin the first 22,500-ton phase in Q1 2027. Competitor EnergyX could start its 15,000-ton Lonestar facility by end-2027, following an earlier 250-ton pilot plant. Major oil firms, including ExxonMobil and Chevron, are also securing acreage and plan pilot work using direct lithium extraction technology that avoids hydraulic fracturing.