The energy landscape is shifting as major oil companies like Exxon venture into lithium mining. Recently, the U.S. Geological Survey identified one of the largest lithium deposits in southwestern Arkansas, potentially meeting global electric vehicle battery demands five to ten times over. Exxon, already mining other resources in the area, holds the rights to the deposit, positioning itself as a key player in the transition from fossil fuels to new energy sources. The move reflects a broader trend in the industry, with companies like Rio Tinto also investing in lithium, as seen in its acquisition of Arcadian Lithium. With lithium prices at a low, some view this as a strategic entry point for big oil to transition toward clean energy. However, some companies remain hesitant to embrace the shift, potentially missing out on the future of energy.