Smackover Lithium Reports Inferred Resource at Franklin Project
Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor, has filed its first inferred resource report for the Franklin project in northeast Texas. The report shows a lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) resource of 2.16 million tonnes, with an average lithium concentration of 668 mg/litre. Additionally, the resource contains 15.41 million tonnes of potash and 2.64 million tonnes of bromide within 0.61 km³ of brine.
The Franklin project spans approximately 80,000 acres, with over 46,000 acres leased to support resource development. Brine mineral leasing began in 2022, and the project has recorded some of the highest lithium-in-brine grades in North America, including 806 mg/litre at the Pine Forest 1 well.
Next Steps and Expansion Plans for Franklin Project
Smackover Lithium plans further evaluation to optimize the Upper and Middle Smackover Formation aquifers and brine chemistry. The company will drill new appraisal wells and re-enter three inactive wells to support a preliminary feasibility study. Meanwhile, direct lithium extraction (DLE) tests will use data from Standard Lithium’s El Dorado demonstration plant and the South West Arkansas project.
Furthermore, the JV aims to produce more than 100,000 tonnes of lithium chemicals annually in Texas through multiple project phases. Plans for two additional East Texas projects could nearly triple the JV’s portfolio, further strengthening North America’s lithium supply chain.
SuperMetalPrice Commentary:
The Franklin project marks a major milestone for US lithium production. By achieving high-grade brine resources and scaling DLE technology, Smackover Lithium strengthens domestic lithium security. SuperMetalPrice expects this resource report to enhance investor confidence and accelerate North American lithium supply development. The project aligns with growing demand for battery-grade lithium in electric vehicles and energy storage markets.
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