T5 Smackover Partners and Glencore Deal: A Turning Point for Geothermal Lithium in East Texas By: Robert Buluma When Geothermal Stops Being Just Energy A quiet but powerful shift is unfolding in the global energy landscape. For decades, geothermal energy has been discussed almost exclusively as a clean electricity source. But in 2026, that definition is rapidly expanding. The latest signal comes from East Texas, where T5 Smackover Partners has signed a binding offtake agreement with global commodities giant Glencore for lithium carbonate production from the Smackover Formation. On the surface, it looks like another lithium deal in a crowded critical minerals market. But underneath, it represents something far more significant: the merging of geothermal energy systems with large-scale mineral extraction, particularly lithium, at an industrial scale. This is not just about batteries. It is about energy systems becoming mineral systems—and mineral systems becoming energy syst...
Iceland's Volcanic Awakening: The Eruption Near Grindavike Iceland, known for its stunning landscapes and geological wonders, is once again making headlines with the eruption of a volcano near the town of Grindavik. This recent volcanic activity marks the third eruption in the area since December, highlighting the dynamic and unpredictable nature of Iceland's volcanic landscape. The Eruption On February 8th, 2024 , a volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted along a three-kilometer fissure northeast of Mount Sýlingarfell. Jets of lava shot into the sky, triggering the evacuation of the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and cutting off heat and hot water to thousands of people in several communities on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Impact on Communities The eruption has had significant consequences for the residents of Grindavik and surrounding areas. The lava flow engulfed a supply pipeline, disrupting the heating systems that many rely on for their homes. Schools, gyms, and swimmin...