Standard Lithium has initiated a pivotal milestone in domestic lithium production with the launch of a pilot Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) plant in South West Arkansas. The project, developed in partnership with Equinor ASA and Koch Technology Solutions, represents a critical advancement in sustainable battery material production.
The pilot plant utilizes Koch Technology Solutions' proprietary Li-Pro™ Lithium Selective Sorption technology to process brine directly from the site. This innovative approach aims to refine engineering parameters and produce battery-quality lithium carbonate, a crucial component in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle and renewable energy storage markets.
The facility is designed to generate approximately 1,000 gallons of lithium chloride solution, which will be converted into 30 kg of battery-grade lithium carbonate. This output is strategically important for facilitating vendor selection and potential off-take agreements, demonstrating the project's commercial viability.
By developing this pilot plant, Standard Lithium is positioning itself as a leader in North American lithium production, addressing a significant gap in domestic battery material supply chains. The project represents the first lithium-from-brine development in the United States in over five decades, potentially transforming the country's clean energy infrastructure.
The initiative underscores the growing importance of sustainable lithium extraction technologies in supporting the global transition to renewable energy. As demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions continues to rise, projects like Standard Lithium's pilot plant are critical in establishing domestic production capabilities.
Located in the Smackover Formation, a world-class lithium-brine asset, the project leverages existing infrastructure and geological advantages. The collaboration with Equinor ASA, a global energy leader, further strengthens the technological and financial foundations of this innovative lithium extraction approach.
Standard Lithium's strategic focus on developing high-quality lithium resources with streamlined extraction processes positions the company at the forefront of the clean energy revolution. The successful launch of this pilot plant represents a significant step towards establishing a robust, sustainable lithium production ecosystem in North America.
