Lithium from brine is an evolving energy play based on Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE).  The DLE process for extracting lithium and other elements with value from Smackover (SMK) formation water is becoming the most economic and environmentally friendly means of sourcing domestic lithium for use in modern battery technologies.  Leasing is ongoing and extraction plants are in the design/development stage.  Different states will have somewhat different regulatory and legal frameworks.

Note that lithium concentrations in the Smackover section can be highly variable plus reservoir quality for an effective water source can be equally inconsistent. As a result, not all areas may be prospective for lithium mining (DLE). One also needs to keep in mind that variable H2S concentrations are a normal product associated with the Smackover reservoir and any produced fluids.

The counties in Arkansas that are prospective for Smackover lithium production are Miller, Lafayette, Columbia and Union.