In a groundbreaking discovery, the US Geological Survey (USGS) has revealed that Arkansas is home to a vast supply of lithium, a crucial element for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The estimated 5-19 million tons of lithium reserves could satisfy the entire world's demand for EV batteries, marking a significant shift in the global clean energy landscape.

The lithium-rich brine, trapped 10,000 feet underground, has long been considered wastewater from oil and gas operations. However, companies like ExxonMobil are now racing to develop cost-effective technologies to extract the lithium, with plans to start production as early as 2027.

This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for the tech and startup community, as it could reduce reliance on imports, boost domestic supply chains, and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. The development of direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, which is faster and less energy-intensive than traditional methods, could also revolutionize the industry.