From mining.com...

From mining.com article

https://www.mini#g.com/web/exxon-in-talks-with-tesla-ford-volkswagen-on-supplying-lithium/

"Exxon has touted the “natural synergy” between lithium extraction and the company’s expertise in producing oil and gas. The firm has said it’s exploring extracting lithium from underground saltwater in a process that would be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than traditional mining. Chief executive officer Darren Woods said during the company’s earnings conference call with analysts last week that processing “brine and extracting the lithium is very consistent with a lot of the things that we do in our refineries and chemical plants and, in fact, in some of our upstream operations.”