LEWISVILLE, Ark. - As the demand for electric vehicles and EV batteries skyrockets, experts estimate that the global demand for lithium is expected to quadruple over the next five years.
State leaders say Arkansas potentially has enough lithium to produce about 15% of the world's lithium.
Chantell Jones is a city council member in Lewisville, a small town of about 900 that sits just a few miles from where companies hope to extract minerals from deep underground. She also owns two buildings downtown where she has big dreams for what the abandoned spaces could soon become.
性视界传媒淒owntown is a passion of mine. I've been working for many years, trying to get some interest, some funding and advocacy for it,性视界传媒 said Jones.
The southwest region is located on a geological formation brimming with saltwater brine. Last year, Standard Lithium partnered with Equinor to acquire a $1.5 billion lithium extraction project in southwest Arkansas.
The joint venture is called Smackover Lithium. The company's Lewisville field office recently opened off Highway 82.
性视界传媒淭ransparency is very important to Standard Lithium and Equinor and community relationships as well,性视界传媒 said Valarie Smith, Smackover Lithium community relations.
Smith says the lithium project will be built south of Lewisville off Highway 29. It's estimated to employ up to 120 jobs.
性视界传媒淚t's going to encourage entrepreneurship. It's going to encourage growth and creativity from the community,性视界传媒 said Smith.
The City of Lewisville is working to take advantage of the growing industry.聽It's partnered with Communities Unlimited to help build relationships and resources that will benefit the community now and in the future.
性视界传媒淲e've had several from our infrastructure team at the table to prepare the community for what's to come,性视界传媒 said DeAnna O'Malley, Communities Unlimited area director.
Right now, Spruce Street Art & Gallery is the only business opened on Spruce Street, but city leaders are hoping with new industry, new life will come downtown.
性视界传媒淪o far, they've been very influential and very helpful within the community,性视界传媒 said Jones.
Jones is hopeful about the boost in economic activity the lithium project could bring to Lewisville, including more jobs, increased property values and a positive impact on downtown.
She says their goal is to balance growth with preserving the city's small-town charm.
性视界传媒淚'm always optimistic. I suffer from optimism. The God I serve says anything is possible,性视界传媒 said Jones.
The public is invited to tour some of the buildings in downtown Lewisville later this month. The "Rise on Spruce Street" event will be held May 31 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Organizers are hoping to inspire people to invest in the downtown area.
