Standard Lithium Ltd. (NYSE American: SLI), in collaboration with Equinor through their joint venture Smackover Lithium, has announced a significant milestone at their South West Arkansas (SWA) Project. The completion of sampling from the Lester well revealed the highest lithium concentration recorded to date at 616 mg/L, with average concentrations from three samples reaching 582 mg/L. This achievement marks the conclusion of Phase 1 sub-surface exploration activities, setting a new benchmark for the project's potential.
The joint venture team is now focusing on advancing its Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study, with expectations to complete a Definitive Feasibility Study by the third quarter of 2025. This progress is a critical step towards achieving a Final Investment Decision by the end of the same year. The high lithium grades encountered underscore the project's viability and its role in meeting the growing global demand for lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage solutions.
The Smackover Project, located in the Smackover Formation, is recognized as a world-class lithium-brine asset. Standard Lithium's commitment to sustainable development and its innovative direct lithium extraction (DLE) and purification process positions the company as a leader in the near-commercial lithium development sector. The partnership with Equinor, a global energy leader, further enhances the project's prospects for success, combining expertise and resources to advance greenfield and brownfield lithium-brine projects in Arkansas and Texas.
This development is not only a testament to Standard Lithium's operational excellence but also highlights the importance of domestic lithium production in supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources. The record-breaking lithium grades at the Smackover Project could have far-reaching implications for the electric vehicle industry, renewable energy sector, and the broader push towards sustainability, making this announcement a significant milestone in the global effort to secure critical mineral supplies.
