Highest Lithium Brine Grade Recorded by Smackover Lithium in SWA Project Region
The Smackover Lithium project, a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Norwegian energy company Equinor, has made a significant breakthrough in its South West Arkansas (SWA) Project. The project recently recorded its highest lithium brine concentration to date at 616 mg/L in the Lester well[1][3]. This marks the conclusion of all Phase 1 sub-surface exploration activities for the SWA Project[1][3].
The average lithium concentration in the Lester well brine was 582 mg/L, surpassing initial expectations of approximately 500 mg/L[3]. This promising result underscores the potential of the SWA Project, which aims for a production capacity of 22,500 tonnes per annum of battery-quality lithium carbonate, using Direct Lithium Extraction technology[1][4].
Following this milestone, the project is progressing towards a Final Investment Decision targeted by the end of 2025. The joint venture has completed all necessary fieldwork for Phase 1 and is currently advancing off-take and project financing discussions[1][2][3].
Two key upcoming milestones for the project include the release of a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and a Maiden Inferred Resource Report, both expected in the third quarter of 2025[1][2]. These reports are expected to further support the project’s value proposition and U.S. critical minerals production goals.
Dr. Andy Robinson, President and COO of Standard Lithium, expressed encouragement regarding the latest sampling results from the Lester well. He noted that the highest lithium concentration in the SWA Project area reached 616 mg/L[2].
The exploration well, named Lester, was completed in the second quarter of this year. The sampling and subsequent analysis of brines from the Lester well were conducted by an independent third-party certified laboratory[1]. No further sub-surface exploration activities are planned for Phase 1 of the SWA Project following the Lester well[1][3].
The Smackover Lithium project is strategically important for domestic lithium supply in the United States, given its potential to contribute significantly to the country's critical minerals production. The progress reflects strong confidence in the project's economics and its strategic importance for domestic lithium supply.
Reference(s): 1. https://www.standardlithium.com/news-media/press-releases/detail/123/smackover-lithium-announces-highest-lithium-concentration 2. https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/06/17342486/standard-lithium-reports-highest-lithium-concentration-in-brine-from-the-lester-well-in-south-west-arkansas 3. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220614005136/en/Smackover-Lithium-Announces-Highest-Lithium-Concentration-in-Brine-from-the-Lester-Well-in-South-West-Arkansas 4. https://www.standardlithium.com/sites/default/files/2021-02/Smackover%20Lithium%20Project%20Overview%20Deck.pdf
The Smackover Lithium project, which harnesses Direct Lithium Extraction technology, showcases the convergence of science, as it strives to improve the technology for more efficient lithium production. This project, with its environmental-science approach to lithium mining in the Lester well, also underlines the integration of technology, as it maximizes resource utilization and minimizes environmental impact.
