The lithium mine, calculated using a machine-learning model and geological information that predicted maps of lithium concentration, represents 35% to 136% of the current amount of lithium estimated to be in the U.S. Lithium could be extracted from the waste stream of the brines—deposits of groundwater rich in minerals—in the Smackover Formation.

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.

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.

A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey found massive lithium reserves in southwestern Arkansas that could have between 5 million and 19 million tons of lithium.

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.

Shares of lithium producers surge as new research reveals massive lithium reserves in Arkansas, potentially meeting global demand for EV batteries.

A study conducted by the USGS estimates that Arkansas's Lithium reserves could be 9x more than the projected global Lithium demand for EVs in 2030.

Researchers now estimate how much “white gold” may be found in southern Arkansas's vast lithium reserves: up to 19 million tons, or enough to meet the projected 2030 world demand nine times over.