Our footprint in Arkansas

The resources beneath Southwest Arkansas have fueled industries for decades. The region has produced oil and gas, and its saltwater brine has been a key source of bromine, used in flame retardants and water treatment. Today, that same saltwater brine is being explored for lithium—opening new opportunities for growth.

Since early 2023, ExxonMobil has acquired the brine rights to over 300,000 net acres of the Smackover formation—considered one of the most prolific lithium resources of its type in North America. Leveraging decades of expertise in geoscience, reservoir engineering and chemical processing, we will apply proven capabilities to safely and efficiently extract lithium from this formation.

In 2024, we made significant progress:

• Drilled initial appraisal wells and conducted regional seismic programs 
• Produced lithium-rich brine and processed battery-grade lithium at our pilot facility from brine extracted from Arkansas 
• Secured key regulatory approvals for our ‘Pine’ brine production unit
• Signed agreements with two potential customers

Through 2025, that progress has continued, where we've drilled additional appraisal wells, conducted extended well tests and progressed multiple technology and engineering activities. These efforts help us evaluate and delineate the brine resource and informed development planning across our portfolio. 

Our plan is to develop a large-scale lithium business that will help strengthen domestic supply security for companies investing in electric vehicle and energy storage solutions, as well as battery manufacturing facilities in North America.*

_{*Subject to change based on evolving market conditions, policy frameworks, permitting outcomes, or final investment decisions.}