- Smackover Lithium reports highest lithium concentration of 616 mg/L in SWA Project area.
- Average lithium concentration from three samples is 582 mg/L, exceeding initial projections of 500 mg/L.
- Project advances towards Final Investment Decision by the end of 2025, following completion of FEED study and ongoing negotiations.
Smackover Lithium (SLI, Financial), a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor, has announced a significant milestone in its South West Arkansas (SWA) Project with the discovery of the highest lithium brine concentration recorded in the area. The latest exploration well, the Lester well, has reported a peak lithium concentration of 616 mg/L, with an average concentration of 582 mg/L from three samples. This result significantly surpasses the prior expectation of 500 mg/L.
The completion of the Lester well marks the end of all sub-surface exploration activities for Phase 1 of the SWA Project. This notable discovery not only reaffirms the quality of the lithium resource but also enhances the project's economic prospects. The joint venture team is now focused on finalizing the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study, with a Definitive Feasibility Study anticipated in the third quarter of 2025.
In parallel, Smackover Lithium is actively pursuing off-take negotiations and exploring project financing options, aiming to reach a Final Investment Decision by year-end 2025. The promising lithium grades recorded at the Lester well bolster the project's potential and provide an advantageous position for future negotiations and developments in the project area.
The Smackover Formation, renowned for being a world-class lithium brine resource, may contain exceptional quality zones within the SWA Project area, as evidenced by these recent findings. This advancement indicates a growing technical confidence in the project's potential as it transitions from exploration to development stages.
