COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ark. (KNOE) – Thousands of feet below ground in southwest Arkansas sits an ancient saltwater reservoir that could soon transform the nation’s energy future.
For generations, communities across Lafayette and Columbia counties have relied on timber, oil, and bromine for their livelihoods. But that underground saltwater layer—known as the Smackover Formation—holds some of the richest lithium reserves in North America.
Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium and partner Equinor, is advancing a $1.5 billion commercial operation in the region…