New Geology Course Ends With Trip to El Dorado to Study Lithium Resources

Apalos Edwards, geography student, finds a quartz crystal at the Avatar Crystal Mine.

A new course offered by the U of A’s Department of Geosciences concluded its first semester with a trip to El Dorado. Students studied cores from a sedimentary layer called the Smackover Formation, where large resources of lithium have been identified in recent years.

“The rocks of the Smackover were deposited 150 million years ago on beaches that look like the modern Bahamas and are now buried over two miles below southern Arkansas, Texas and Mississippi,” explained John Shaw, an associate professor of geosciences and class instructor.

He added that “there is enough lithium in the formation for tens of millions of electric vehicles. Standard Lithium, a company with several U of A alumni, is at the forefront of developing this resource, with production beginning in 2027.”

The course, Introduction to Geology for Science Majors, provides a practical introduction to field work, experimentation and coding. Ten first-year students majoring in geology, earth sciences, geography, biology and engineering took part in the inaugural class.

Matt Wilson, a senior geologist with Standard Lithium and U of A alumnus, talked to the students about various elements of his work, including reading rocks, extracting lithium and other valuable materials from water trapped in the rock pores, and explaining how the fluid is reinjected back into the formation once extraction is complete.

Another U of A graduate, Dr. Kathy Knierim, a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Little Rock, discussed how the survey monitors state resources and environmental safety concerns during mining production.

“When we examined a rock sample taken from the Smackover Formation, we could feel the differing textures of the rock, which correlates to its permeability and porosity,” explained Melinda Naumec, an earth sciences major. “Seeing this core sample in person was more impactful than reading about it in a book. This hands-on experience enhanced my understanding and has inspired me to reach out to professors about undergraduate research. “

The return trip to Fayetteville featured visits to Crater of Diamonds State Park and the Avatar Crystal Mine near Mount Ida, as well as many spectacular rock outcrops that make Arkansas special.

This was the biggest field trip of the semester. Previous activities during the course included a trip to Fort Smith to visit the APAC sand mining operation on the Arkansas River, a trip to local caves and experimenting with lava lamps to investigate the behavior of the Earth’s mantle.

The El Dorado trip was supported by the Geosciences Advisory Board, a group of alumni dedicated to supporting the department and led by Shane Matson. The board paid for hotels and meals for all students and members assisted in providing the expertise documented above.

Shaw noted, “Just five years ago, the need to find, and safely and responsibly produce lithium and other critical minerals was not considered to be high priority parts of a geology or earth science curriculum. This course is proactive in bringing these contemporary topics to students. This course will be offered again in fall 2024.”

First-year earth sciences majors are encouraged to enroll.

This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.