Why all eyes are on Arkansas' lithium

Arkansas is becoming a key player in U.S. lithium production, attracting major investments from Exxon Mobil, Albemarle, and Standard Lithium. The state's lithium-rich Smackover Formation could power millions of EVs, but challenges like volatile prices and unproven direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology remain. CNBC visited Magnolia and El Dorado, Arkansas, to explore the economic, technological and strategic impacts of this emerging lithium market.