The future of lithium production in the U.S. is gaining momentum in Arkansas, as companies like ExxonMobil , Albemarle, and Standard Lithium make significant investments in the state. While most of the world's lithium still comes from countries like Australia, Chile and China, Arkansas could change that. Standard Lithium, which has operated in Arkansas since 2020, is also expanding its Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) facility in El Dorado, thanks to a $100 million investment from Koch Strategic Platforms. Still, companies like Albemarle and Standard Lithium told CNBC they remain optimistic about Arkansas' potential to become a key player in the global lithium market. "The United States has to step up," said Robert Mintak, CEO of Standard Lithium.

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Persons: Wesley Hamilton, Shon Hiatt, Robert Mintak, We've Organizations: United States Geological Survey, Energy, Exxon Mobil, Koch, Business, University of Southern, Atlantic Council, CNBC Locations: U.S, Arkansas, Albemarle, Australia, Chile, China , Arkansas, El Dorado, University of Southern California, China, United States