Silicon Valley startup Lilac Solutions has a method to get lithium for batteries that’s cheaper, easier on the environment and less water-intensive than mining: it plans to pull it from the Great Salt Lake.The U.S. could become a major supplier of lithium for batteries in the next few years after the Trump administration took a stake in the developer of a massive mine in Nevada. But Silicon Valley startup Lilac Solutions thinks it’s got a better idea that avoids the higher costs and environmental harms of t ...

CANADA - 2025/09/24: In this photo illustration, the Lithium Americas Corp. logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen. (Photo Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesShares of Lithium Americas (NYSE:LAC) increased by approximately 20% on Thursday, following an almost 90% surge on Tuesday, spurred by reports that the Trump administration expressed interest in acquiring up to a 10% stake in the company. The Thacker Pass project, one of ...

LEWISVILLE, Ark., Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smackover Lithium, a Joint Venture (“JV”) between Standard Lithium Ltd. (“Standard Lithium” or the “Company”) (TSXV: SLI) (NYSE.A: SLI) and Equinor (“Equinor”) (OSE: EQNR) (NYSE: EQNR), announced today a maiden inferred resource for its Franklin Project (the “Project”) in the northeast region of Texas, USA. This report for the JV’s first project in the East Texas region of the Smackover highlights the size and quality of its brine position. It contains th ...

Highlighted by 2.2M tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (“LCE”) at an average lithium grade of 668 mg/L, 15.4M tonnes of potash and 2.6M tonnes of bromide at the Inferred Resource CategoryLEWISVILLE, Ark., Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smackover Lithium, a Joint Venture (“JV”) between Standard Lithium Ltd. (“Standard Lithium” or the “Company”) (TSXV: SLI) (NYSE.A: SLI) and Equinor (“Equinor”) (OSE: EQNR) (NYSE: EQNR), announced today a maiden inferred resource for its Franklin Project (the “Project” ...

Standard Lithium Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:SLI) is one of the Best Mining Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. On September 4, Raymond James lifted the price objective on the company’s stock to $4.00 from $2.75, while maintaining an “Outperform” rating. The firm believes that the increasing maturation of Standard Lithium Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:SLI)’s projects as well as model adjustments are the key factors responsible for the increased valuation. Notably, the firm sees the company as a leader in Direct Lithium Ex ...

Core Viewpoint - The Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for the Smackover Lithium project indicates robust economic potential, with a projected unlevered pre-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 20.2% and a Net Present Value (NPV) of $1.7 billion, confirming the project's status as a world-class asset for lithium production in the United States [4][6][9]. Project Overview - Smackover Lithium is a joint venture between Standard Lithium (55% ownership) and Equinor (45%), focused on developing a lithium extraction facility in southwestern Arkansas, covering approximately 30,000 acres of brine leases [5][64]. - The project aims to produce 22,500 tonnes per annum (tpa) of battery-quality lithium carbonate, marking the first commercial lithium production in the Smackover Formation, with initial production targeted for 2028 [6][17]. Economic Highlights - The DFS estimates an unlevered pre-tax NPV of $1.7 billion and an IRR of 20.2%, based on a lithium carbonate price of $22,400 per tonne [6][9]. - Average cash operating costs are projected at $4,516 per tonne, with all-in costs estimated at $5,924 per tonne [31][33]. - Total capital expenditures (CAPEX) are estimated at $1.45 billion, including a 12.3% contingency [6][27]. Resource Assessment - The total Measured and Indicated Resource is estimated at 1,177,000 tonnes lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) at an average concentration of 442 mg/L, with Proven Reserves of 447,000 tonnes LCE at an average concentration of 481 mg/L [39][44][50]. - The project has a minimum operating life of 20 years, with potential for significant expansion based on resource modeling [6][8]. Development Timeline - The project is targeting a Final Investment Decision (FID) by the end of 2025, with construction expected to commence in 2026 and first production in 2028 [17][61]. Environmental and Regulatory Considerations - The project has received a $225 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, necessitating compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), with an environmental assessment already initiated [57][59]. - The project has strong support from local communities and government entities, enhancing its prospects for timely permitting and development [59].

Core Viewpoint - Lithium Argentina AG reported continued operational improvements in Q2 2025, with production at Cauchari-Olaroz reaching over 85% of capacity and costs declining towards $6,000 per tonne, despite volatile lithium market conditions [1][2]. Production and Financial Performance - Lithium carbonate production totaled approximately 8,500 tonnes in Q2 2025, an 18% increase compared to Q1 2025, with a total of approximately 15,700 tonnes produced in the first half of 2025, on track to meet the 2025 guidance of 30,000 – 35,000 tonnes [7]. - The cost of sales for Q2 2025 was $63 million, with cash operating costs at $6,098 per tonne, reflecting an 8% decrease from Q1 2025 due to cost-optimization initiatives and higher production volumes [7]. - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $64 million, with an average realized price of approximately $7,400 per tonne of lithium carbonate sold, impacted by a decline in global lithium prices [7]. Regional Growth Strategy - The company advanced its regional growth strategy for the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes basins, with significant progress made during the quarter and further updates expected shortly [2][8]. - A comprehensive feasibility study for the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes basins, evaluating options for up to 150,000 tonnes per annum of lithium carbonate equivalent through a hybrid Direct Lithium Extraction process, is expected to be completed by the end of the year [8]. Financial and Corporate Overview - As of June 30, 2025, the company held $68 million in cash and cash equivalents, with total assets of $1,141.1 million and total liabilities of $252.8 million [10]. - The company reported a net loss of $4.1 million for Q2 2025, compared to a net income of $2.2 million in the prior-year period, primarily due to lower gains on financial instruments and higher equity compensation expenses [12]. - Exar, the 44.8% equity investee of Lithium Argentina, had approximately $233 million of net debt at the official foreign exchange rate as of June 30, 2025, and closed on $120 million in bank debt facilities during Q2 2025 [11].

Project Improvements - The DFS Addendum design basis was set at 249 mg/L of lithium concentration, enabling more efficient lithium extraction[11] - Lithium recovery rates increased from approximately 80% to 90% with the transition to Lilac Gen4 Ion Exchange (IX) technology[11] - The number of wells was reduced by approximately 22%, representing a 35% and 44% improvement in well Capex and Opex, respectively[11] Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) - CAPEX was reduced to US$1,157 million, representing an approximate US$220 million improvement from the Original DFS figures[10, 12] - This represents a 19% improvement from the inflation-adjusted baseline or a 16% improvement from the Original DFS[12] - A reduction of approximately US$98 million in savings was achieved due to the reduction in DLE modules, which reduced major equipment, civil works, and installation costs[23] Operating Expenditure (OPEX) and Financials - OPEX meaningfully improved to US$5,895/t LCE, representing a 3% improvement from Original DFS numbers[10, 12] - The estimated pre-tax NPV10 is US$1.5 billion, and the pre-tax IRR is 22.5%[10] - The plant design basis was updated to 249 mg/L to reflect improved lithium concentration[12] Resource and Risk Reduction - The measured resource increased from 3.0 Mt LCE to 4.2 Mt LCE, and the total resource increased from 10.6 Mt LCE to 11.1 Mt LCE[12] - The wellfield development plan represents less than 9% of the Measured & Indicated Mineral Resource[76] - The company expects Exploitation EIA final approval in 2025[12]

Core Viewpoint - LithiumBank Resources Corp. has been awarded CAD $3.9 million in non-dilutive funding from Emissions Reduction Alberta to advance the Boardwalk Lithium Brine Project, which is expected to enhance lithium production capabilities in Alberta [1][2]. Funding and Project Development - The funding will reimburse 50% of eligible expenditures for each completed milestone, up to a total of CAD $3.9 million [1]. - The company aims to complete specific tasks by the end of 2026, which include drilling, DLE testing, and a feasibility study [3][6]. Strategic Positioning - Alberta is recognized for its favorable geology and lithium resources, positioning the Boardwalk project as a leading lithium initiative in Canada with significant scaling potential [2]. - LithiumBank has consolidated strategic Brine Hosted Mineral Licenses, making it the largest holder of lithium brine resources in North America [4]. Project Milestones - Key milestones include: 1. Completing an additional drill hole through the Leduc formation to support an advanced reservoir model and future production [6]. 2. Conducting longer cycle DLE testing and optimization for lithium carbonate conversion [6]. 3. Completing a feasibility study assessing a low Capex, modular approach to lithium production [6]. Company Overview - LithiumBank Resources Corp. focuses on developing its two flagship projects, Boardwalk and Park Place, which host some of the largest lithium brine resources in North America [14]. - The company holds 1,237,487 acres of brown-field brine hosted mineral licenses across Alberta and Saskatchewan [14].

Core Insights - Stardust Power Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ohio University to collaborate on advanced lithium extraction and refining technologies, particularly focusing on Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) [1][2][3] - The partnership aims to enhance research on domestic lithium processing innovations, with Stardust Power providing industry expertise and support [2][3] - This collaboration is expected to secure lithium brine feedstock for Stardust Power's lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma, which is projected to produce up to 50,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium annually [3][5] Company Overview - Stardust Power is an American developer of battery-grade lithium products, committed to building resilient supply chains to bolster America's energy leadership [5] - The company is focused on sustainability throughout its processes and is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "SDST" [5] Strategic Goals - The partnership reflects a commitment to workforce development and educational excellence, aiming to cultivate the next generation of engineers and scientists in lithium extraction and advanced battery technologies [4] - The collaboration is positioned to support U.S. energy independence and meet the growing demand for domestic battery materials [4]