Smackover Southwest Arkansas Lithium Project Phase 1

planned

A lithium extraction project in Southwest Arkansas with an initial nameplate capacity of 22,500 tonnes per year of battery-quality lithium carbonate. The project has a base capital cost of about $1.5 billion and aims for first commercial output in 2029. It is supported by regulatory approvals, a $225 million DOE grant, and a binding offtake deal with Trafigura for 8,000 metric tons per year over ten years. The project targets roughly 80% of Phase 1 output under long-term offtake before making a final investment decision. Construction is planned to start in 2026 following a final investment decision, with financing expected to be about $1.1 billion in project debt and the balance in equity under a 55/45 joint-venture structure.