- Smackover Lithium's Phase I brine production unit receives unanimous approval from the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission.
- The Reynolds Unit is projected to produce 22,500 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate by 2028.
- Regulatory approval is a key milestone towards the final investment decision for the South West Arkansas Project.
Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium (SLI, Financial) and Equinor, has successfully received unanimous approval from the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission for its Phase I brine production unit, known as the Reynolds Unit, at the South West Arkansas Project. No objections were raised during a public hearing attended by community stakeholders, marking a significant regulatory milestone for the project.
The Reynolds Unit covers an area of 20,854 acres and is expected to reach full commercial production by 2028, with an annual output of 22,500 tonnes of battery-quality lithium carbonate. This approval propels Smackover Lithium closer to making a final investment decision, with plans to establish a competitive royalty rate by the end of May.
Dr. Andy Robinson, President and COO of Standard Lithium, expressed gratitude for the commission’s swift approval, highlighting the importance of this milestone in advancing towards the project's completion. Meanwhile, Allison Kennedy Thurmond, VP of US Lithium at Equinor, emphasized the collaborative effort with the AOGC and the community to maintain momentum for the project.
For more details on the South West Arkansas Project and Smackover Lithium's initiatives, please visit www.smackoverlithium.com. The Standard Lithium trades on both the TSX Venture Exchange and the NYSE American under the symbol “SLI.”
