Massive Lithium Deposits Found in Southwestern Arkansas

‘We estimate there is enough dissolved lithium present in that region to replace U.S. imports of lithium and more,’ said the USGS lead researcher.

Brine ponds and processing areas of a lithium mine in a file photo. Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images

A groundbreaking study led by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) revealed a potentially massive lithium reserve beneath southwestern Arkansas, which researchers say far exceeds the current worldwide demand.

According to the study published in Science Advances, researchers estimate between 5 and 19 million tons of lithium reserves are present in the region. If commercially recoverable, the supply could potentially meet the projected 2030 world demand for lithium in car batteries nine times over, according to a press release Monday by the U.S. agency.