SWA Lithium Advances and Derisks DLE Technology with Field-Testing at South West Arkansas Lithium Project

Core Insights - SWA Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor, has successfully designed, built, and is now operating a pilot Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) facility in Arkansas to confirm engineering designs for the South West Arkansas Project [1][2] - The pilot plant is processing brine from the SWA Project and will produce battery-quality lithium carbonate samples for qualification with potential off-take partners [1][2] Company Developments - The pilot DLE plant utilizes real-time brine from the IPC well and employs the same flowsheet as the planned commercial lithium facility, producing an intermediate lithium chloride solution [2] - Approximately 1,000 gallons (3,785 liters) of a 6% lithium chloride solution is expected to be produced, which will be sent to three vendors for conversion into battery-quality lithium carbonate [3] - The produced lithium carbonate will be used for initial qualification phases with potential off-take partners and to inform vendor selection for the commercial facility [3] Strategic Partnerships - The collaboration with Koch Technology Solutions (KTS) has been crucial for the engineering design and optimization of the commercial facility [3] - The pilot plant's success reflects the commitment to local partnerships, particularly with Mission Creek Resources LLC [3] Future Outlook - The pilot DLE plant's operation is expected to continue until late January 2025, after which sufficient operational experience and design data will be gathered [3] - The project aims to become the first new lithium-from-brine operation in North America in over 50 years, highlighting its significance in the lithium industry [3]