A Look Back at 2024
Welcome to Lithium Link, your resource for insightful news and expert commentary on the latest happenings in the Arkansas lithium scene.
A Lithium Link 2024 Year in Review
2024 was a red-letter year for Arkansas’ nascent lithium extraction industry, and Lithium Link was able to chronicle key milestones, industry challenges and community developments — while also delivering exclusive interviews with influential figures shaping the state's lithium future.
We launched Lithium Link in April 2024 with this video providing an overview of the industry and an inside look at the very first Arkansas Lithium Innovation Summit.
The two-day summit, organized by industry leaders and state economic development officials, was wildly successful, drawing investors, industry players, government officials and other stakeholders to Little Rock.
The response to the summit and the conversations and connections that took place because of it inspired Lithium Link, which aims to help keep the conversation and information-sharing going.
Look Back: Exclusive Interviews with Industry and Community Leaders
A hallmark of Lithium Link's first year: exclusive interviews with industry stakeholders. These conversations have yielded insider views of the challenges and opportunities in Arkansas' lithium industry:
Robert Reynolds, president of Shuler Drilling Co. of El Dorado and a member of the South Arkansas Minerals Association
Reynolds expressed cautious optimism about South Arkansas's lithium industry, emphasizing the need for significant infrastructure investment to make direct lithium extraction (DLE) happen.
He highlighted economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs and landowners and noted that if extraction proves viable, related industries could emerge within two to four years.
Watch the interview here.
Hugh McDonald, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Commerce:
McDonald emphasized the importance of setting a fair royalty rate for lithium extraction, focusing on the state’s role in midstream and upstream segments of the lithium battery. supply chain, particularly in producing precursor cathode materials.
He also urged state legislators to enhance infrastructure and provide financial incentives to attract supply chain companies.
Watch the interview here.
Parnell Vann, mayor of Magnolia:
Vann shared an optimistic outlook for Magnolia's future, discussing how lithium production could transform the local economy.
He highlighted workforce development, infrastructure improvements and community engagement as critical components of success.
Watch the interview here.
Robert Mintak, then-CEO of Standard Lithium Ltd. of Vancouver:
Mintak provided an inside look into Standard Lithium's groundbreaking projects in Arkansas.
The company, now led by CEO Dave Park, was the early pioneer for DLE in Arkansas.
He discussed the company’s innovative extraction technologies, the strategic importance of the region, and the potential delays in federal grant funding.
Watch the interview here.
Key Industry Developments
Throughout its first year, Lithium Link covered significant milestones in Arkansas’ growing lithium industry:
Standard Lithium’s Federal Grant
News of potential delays in securing a $225 million federal grant for a processing facility in southwest Arkansas revealed the impact of federal government leadership transitions on industrial progress.
Lithium Royalty Rate Debate
Discussions over the proposed 1.82% royalty rate brought attention to the tension between industry profitability and landowner interests. The outcome of this debate, led by the Arkansas Oil & Gas Commission, could shape the future of the state’s lithium sector.
USGS Report on Lithium Reserves
A U.S. Geological Survey report estimated Arkansas holds between 5 and 19 million tons of lithium, solidifying its place as a significant player in the global lithium market.
Community and Workforce Development
Lithium Link also spotlighted the human and community impacts of the growing lithium industry:
Magnolia’s Vision
Mayor Vann’s vision included robust local job creation and economic revitalization through lithium-related investments.
Workforce Initiatives
A $500,000 grant awarded to The Venture Center in Little Rock aims to prepare a skilled workforce to support the industry’s expansion, ensuring long-term success and community inclusion.
Looking Ahead
As Lithium Link marks the close of 2024, we remain committed to delivering timely, comprehensive and insightful coverage. Among the developments we’ll be watching in 2025:
The royalty rate for lithium extraction. Arkansas’ lithium industry must resolve this debate for companies and other investors to move full-steam ahead with investments and other projects in South Arkansas.
The Arkansas legislative session beginning Jan. 13. We’ll be on the lookout for any bills or policy changes that could affect the Arkansas lithium industry.
The next Arkansas Lithium Innovation Summit. All signs point to another lithium summit happening in Arkansas sometime next year, likely in the latter half of 2025. But nothing has been officially announced yet.
Until then, thanks for joining the conversation and reading and sharing Lithium Link. We’ll see you in 2025!
