Exxon Mobil plans to become a leading producer of lithium, starting with wells in the Smackover Formation in Arkansas. Work has begun on the first phase of the company’s North America lithium production. Exxon secured the rights to drill in 120,000 gross acres of the Smackover Formation.
“Lithium is essential to the energy transition, and ExxonMobil has a leading role to play in paving the way for electrification. This landmark project applies decades of ExxonMobil expertise to unlock vast supplies of North American lithium with far fewer environmental impacts than traditional mining operations.” —Dan Ammann, president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions
Exxon Mobil acquired the rights to drill the Smackover Formation earlier this year. The area is considered one of the most prolific lithium resources in North America. The bromine-rich brines from wells in the Upper Jurassic Smackover contain as much as 445 parts per million lithium, says the Office of the State Geologist in Arkansas. The areas long history in oil and natural gas production make it a well-understood geology.
Conventional oil and gas drilling methods to access the lithium-rich saltwater, which is about 10,000 feet underground, will allow extraction. The lithium will be extracted using a direct lithium extraction method and then converted on-site to battery-grade material. The remaining saltwater will be returned to the underground reservoirs. The process produces fewer carbon emissions and causes far less impact than does hard rock mining for lithium.
Exxon is targeting 2027 as its first lithium production year. The company plans to be able to supply over a million vehicle’s worth of lithium needs by 2030.
Aaron is an automotive journalist living in Wyoming, USA. His background includes technology, mechanics, commercial vehicles, and new vehicle evaluations. Aaron is a member of several automotive media groups and writes for many well-known publications.