Standard Lithium Direct Lithium Extraction Project

advanced design and permitting stage

Standard Lithium is advancing a direct-lithium-extraction (DLE) project in South Arkansas to extract lithium from the Smackover Formation, a brine reservoir beneath southern Arkansas. The project aims to become one of the first commercial DLE operations in the U.S., providing a domestic supply of lithium for electric vehicles and battery supply chains. The DLE process, developed with Koch Technology Solutions and Equinor, offers a faster and cleaner alternative to traditional mining. The project has received a $225 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and is on the federal fast-track permitting list. Standard Lithium is also negotiating up to $1 billion in project financing with international lenders and export credit agencies. The project promises economic benefits including new high-skilled jobs and investments in rural communities in South Arkansas.