Oil & Gas Pro

H2S Possibilities in Smackover Lithium Play Area - Things to Consider

I am putting this discussion out there for all as a PSA about the possible dangers of hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) in the Smackover Lithium trend in NE Texas / NW Louisiana / SW Arkansas.

  • H2S is commonly found in the Smackover O&G wells that have produced in this area with highly variable concentrations.
  • In many Smackover O&G fields, the H2S concentrations are high enough to almost instantly kill any person or animal exposed to it.

The key point here is that this inert gas is VERY dangerous when encountered in even low concentrations.

  • And that - even in very very low concentrations - it can create less than ideal situations on the surface due to its odor (rotten eggs is the best description) and possible physical impact on humans and animals.

The attached H2S concentration PDF shows the impact of this gas at various concentrations. I tried to copy and paste this chart into the discussion but couldn't make that happen.

Why is this important?

Although H2S is normally found in the produced gas and oil in this area, it will also be associated with the Smackover formation waters that would be produced for lithium extraction.

  • Considering the thousands of barrels of water per day that would be produced, processed and re-injected as part of this process, the possibility of H2S risk and occurrence in the area of the operation should be considered as HIGH.

Despite all efforts to keep all flow lines and systems perfectly buttoned up so as to not leak any gas / odor to the atmosphere, the possibility that small leaks (or worse) could happen has to be taken into consideration by anyone who will be living in the vicinity of any lithium extraction facilities.

  • Since H2S is heavier than air, it will collect in lows on the surface (e.g. small valleys, river / creek valleys, etc.)

I doubt that this issue has been presented in the various town hall meetings in the area that have been held to discuss the lithium extraction issues.

  • A recent article on lithium extraction had a photo of a Smackover O&G well - with a yellow "beware of poisonous gas" sign in the picture.

This issue as well as the negative risks of H2S are a real possibility - and should be included in any discussions as to lithium extraction in this area.

H2S%20Chart.pdf

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Oil & Gas ProPermalink Reply by Skip Peel - Mineral Consultant on March 28, 2026 at 7:08

Thanks, Rock Man.  The media has dropped the ball on the coverage of H2S in the Smackover brine.  I'd ask all members to share this discussion and make friends and neighbors aware of the dangers of H2S.


Oil & Gas ProPermalink Reply by Rock Man on March 28, 2026 at 7:15

Anyone who has driven near the Houston Ship Channel / Refinery area or almost anywhere in West Texas around oil fields will acknowledge how horrible the rotten eggs odor can be.

As well as the fact that one's olfactory nerves will tend to "numb" to this odor after extended exposure.


landownerPermalink Reply by Joe B. Lovelace on March 28, 2026 at 7:18

Thanks for posting this Mark.  I am not an expert on the location of H2S but believe the Texas Railroad Commission has identified it in the Bryans Mill (Smackover) field (gas wells) in Cass County, Texas.  Brine Leases have been taken in this area.

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Oil & Gas ProPermalink Reply by Rock Man on March 28, 2026 at 7:25

Tx RRC H2S list for District 6 shows about 80 fields with H2S

In Cass County, the following fields (all Smackover) have very high H2S concentrations:

  • Atlanta
  • Avinger
  • Bloomberg
  • Bryan's Mill
  • Carbondale
  • Frost
  • McKinney
  • Queen City

Oil & Gas ProPermalink Reply by Skip Peel - Mineral Consultant on March 28, 2026 at 7:42

Rock Man, that makes me wonder if the Texas Railroad Commission's rules governing S2S in O&G well operations will be sufficient to cover all the potential risks with brine supply wells, pipelines, processing plants and reinjection wells?


Oil & Gas ProPermalink Reply by Rock Man on March 28, 2026 at 7:56

Great question.

Anyone who has lived near sour gas / H2S wells is aware of the safety precautions in place (e.g. evacuation plans, alarms, etc.).

  • Plus, O&G operators are very familiar with all the sensor and safety issues associated with H2S.

Tx RRC rules and regulations address these issues. Including the need to file special forms (H-9's) to show document H2S concentrations.

How will these practices transfer to lithium extraction and associated wells? How will Tx RRC be involved with these wells?

Lots of unanswered questions in my opinion.


Oil & Gas ProPermalink Reply by Rock Man on March 28, 2026 at 8:00

One more point of concern @ H2S presence in Smackover water produced for lithium extraction.

Impact of the H2S on surface equipment

Hydrated H2S creates sulfuric acid - a highly corrosive liquid that can eat up certain metals and associated equipment.

What impact will this have on any lithium extraction systems, pipelines, pumping units and other equipment?

Are these DLE operators planning for this in their facility designs?


Oil & Gas ProPermalink Reply by Rock Man on March 28, 2026 at 8:02

Adding one more point at this issue.

Not all Smackover water will contain H2S - just like not all Smackover O&G contain this inert compound.

  • But one won't know if H2S is present until they tap their planned water source / reservoir and test that water for this compound.

And continue to test over time since H2S may migrate into a producing water reservoir over time (yes, water will move in the subsurface).

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