“Geotechnical, economic, social, and environmental dimensions of direct lithium extraction (DLE) from Smackover brines in Arkansas” — Aaron Malone, Alannah Brett, Elisheba Spiller, Linda Battalora, Elizabeth Holley, Frances Fitzgerald, Caroline Ruppert, Andres Reyes, Julia Jann. Environmental Research: Energy, February 2026.
An interdisciplinary scoping review of direct lithium extraction from oilfield brines (OB-DLE) in Arkansas, driven by the global scramble for critical minerals and the US push for domestic production. The paper analyses the knowns and unknowns around resource potential and the socio-economic and environmental dynamics of turning oilfield brine into a lithium source, reviewing the geology and reservoir characteristics involved and summarising the legal and regulatory advantages that have put Arkansas at the forefront of a resource extending across multiple states.
An initial three OB-DLE projects could contribute an estimated 53,100 tons per year of lithium carbonate equivalent as soon as 2028 — around one-fifth of the US’s 2024-level lithium consumption — with further proposed projects able to expand that figure later. At 2025 lithium prices, though, none of the proposed projects would be profitable; viability depends on projected price increases actually materialising. Community impacts would include employment, royalties, and tax revenue, and how these are distributed will determine whether existing uneven development in the region is reinforced or disrupted.
Compared to other lithium production methods, the first round of OB-DLE projects will be greenfield rather than reusing existing oil and gas infrastructure or produced waters. Freshwater consumption is projected to be higher than brine evaporation, but similar to or lower than mining lithium from rock. The paper closes by identifying areas for future research.