A staggering $150 billion worth of lithium, dubbed “white gold,” has been discovered beneath Arkansas in the Smackover Formation, positioning the southern state to potentially meet the world’s growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries by 2030. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that this treasure trove of between five and 19 million tons of lithium could fuel the EV boom and catapult Arkansas into the global energy spotlight.
Already, companies like Exxon Mobil have begun drilling exploratory wells, with plans to start production by 2027. However, the sudden rush for lithium raises environmental concerns, especially with the use of sulfuric acid in extraction processes, and the potential impacts on water and ecosystems. While the discovery promises to bring jobs and wealth to Arkansas, critics warn that the state must balance its ambitions with responsible environmental stewardship.
The “white gold rush” is on, and Arkansas may soon emerge as a major player in the global transition to green energy.
