Smackover Lithium, the 55:45 joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor, released an inferred resource estimate for its Franklin Project in northeast Texas. The estimate identifies 2,159,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) at an average lithium concentration of 668 mg/L, along with 15,414,000 tonnes of potash and 2,638,000 tonnes of bromide contained in 0.61 km³ of brine.
The report notes that the Franklin Project contains the highest lithium‑in‑brine grades reported in North America, with a peak concentration of 806 mg/L measured at the Pine Forest 1 well. These grades are comparable to the best brine resources in Argentina and Chile, positioning the project as a technically attractive candidate for large‑scale lithium chemical production.
Equinor’s 45 % stake and its $160 million investment commitment, announced in May 2024, reinforce the partnership’s capacity to advance the project through feasibility studies, permitting, and financing. The joint venture will employ Standard Lithium’s Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, which offers a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional evaporation ponds.
The resource estimate supports the company’s goal of reaching production of more than 100,000 tonnes of lithium chemicals per year in Texas through multiple development phases. By securing a high‑grade, low‑cost resource base, the venture aims to strengthen the domestic lithium supply chain and reduce reliance on imported materials for electric‑vehicle battery production.
Investors have responded positively to the announcement, reflecting confidence in the project’s technical viability, the strength of the Equinor partnership, and the strategic importance of domestic lithium development.
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