This story was made possible with the support of the Fund for Environmental Journalism from the Society of Environmental Journalists. In Lewisville, Arkansas, Chantell Dunbar-Jones is hopeful about the upcoming lithium boom in her hometown. She envisions jobs, economic growth, and prosperity returning to the region. As a city council member, she is optimistic about the future despite acknowledging that it may not be perfect.
Lewisville is situated above the Smackover Formation, known for oil and natural gas reserves. However, it also contains lithium, a crucial element for electric vehicle batteries. Companies like Exxon Mobil and Standard Lithium are planning to extract lithium from the region, which could bring significant economic opportunities.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders predicts that Arkansas will become a leading lithium producer. Local officials, including Dunbar-Jones, are being approached by extraction company executives, promising benefits for the community. They are hosting town meetings to discuss the potential impacts and benefits of the lithium boom.
While some residents are wary of the environmental consequences and historical exploitation by resource extraction companies, others are hopeful for a revitalization of the region. The promise of jobs and economic development is appealing, but concerns about ecological impact and equitable distribution of wealth remain.
Lewisville’s history as an oil town that has seen economic booms and declines underscores the significance of the potential lithium industry. With the prospect of high-paying jobs and economic growth, the community is cautiously optimistic about the future. Dunbar-Jones and other local leaders are working to ensure that the residents are informed and engaged in the decision-making process as the lithium industry develops in the region.
