ExxonMobil’s Lithium Ventures in Arkansas

Arkansas Lithium Leap: ExxonMobil’s Game-Changing Venture in Sustainable Transportation, and more…

ExxonMobil has a rich legacy of pioneering automotive solutions, spanning from fuels and lubricants to cutting-edge plastics. Their latest addition to this lineup is lithium.

But what exactly is lithium? It stands as a pivotal ingredient in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. As the world braces for the surge in EV adoption, the demand for lithium is poised to skyrocket. ExxonMobil aims to emerge as a premier lithium supplier, leveraging a contemporary process with markedly reduced environmental footprints compared to traditional mining methods.

Their association with battery technology runs deep. Dr. M. Stanley Whittingham, a luminary within their ranks, spearheaded the research culminating in the world’s inaugural lithium-ion battery, earning him a Nobel Prize in 2019. Discover the transformative battery that reshaped industries.

Lithium epitomizes their commitment to aiding automakers in aligning with the evolving transportation landscape while concurrently mitigating emissions.

In the heart of Southwest Arkansas lies a storied legacy of oil and gas extraction. Yet, beneath the surface lies another invaluable resource: saltwater brine, brimming with lithium. Employing a blend of decades-honed expertise in geoscience, reservoir engineering, and chemical processing, ExxonMobil can responsibly extract lithium from these brines.

Their lithium endeavors promise to fortify supply chains for companies investing in EV and battery manufacturing hubs across North America.

Presenting their latest offering under the brand MobilTM Lithium, a testament to the enduring partnership between Mobil and the automotive sector.

Significance

A Pivotal Shift: EVs stand poised to play a pivotal role in curbing transportation emissions, which presently constitute nearly a quarter of global energy-related CO2 emissions.

Rising Demand: The proliferation of EVs hinges on lithium for their rechargeable batteries, with demand forecasted to quadruple by 2030.

Diversified Supply: While the majority of the world’s lithium originates from regions like Western Australia, South America, and China, ExxonMobil’s venture aims to establish a North American source.

Competitive Edge: By tapping into lithium-rich brines underground, they leverage processes akin to those in their existing production and refining domains.

The Three-Step Process

1. Extraction of lithium-rich brine from subterranean rock formations (~10,000 feet).
2. Utilization of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) techniques to swiftly and efficiently extract lithium from the brine.
3. Reintroduction of residual brine back into its subterranean reservoirs, ensuring a safe and sustainable process reminiscent of their current technologies.

Our Lithium Impact

• A reduction of nearly 90% in lifecycle CO2 emissions compared to conventional vehicles when powered by renewable electricity.
• An estimated ~2/3 reduction in carbon intensity compared to hard-rock mining.
• Targeting sufficient lithium production by 2030 to fulfill the manufacturing needs of approximately 1 million EVs annually.