Chevron U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), has made a major move into the critical minerals space with the acquisition of 125,000 net acres in the Smackover Formation of Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas. The deal, involving TerraVolta Resources and East Texas Natural Resources (ETNR), positions Chevron as a key player in the growing U.S. domestic lithium supply chain.
Why it matters? The Smackover is rich in lithium-laced brines—ideal for Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), a clean, water-efficient alternative to traditional mining. Chevron plans to leverage its deep expertise in fluid handling and reservoir management to scale DLE operations and supply battery-grade lithium for EVs, grid storage, and consumer electronics.
This move supports both U.S. energy security and Chevron’s New Energies strategy, which includes investments in hydrogen, carbon capture, and now—critical minerals. With lithium demand expected to surge 4x by 2030, Chevron’s timing is strategic.
From oil wells to lithium brines, Chevron is powering the electrification era—one acre at a time.
