Major Lithium Discovery Positions Standard Lithium for North American Leadership

A groundbreaking resource assessment at Standard Lithium's Franklin Project in Texas has revealed the highest lithium concentrations ever recorded in North America, potentially establishing the company as a premier domestic producer of the critical battery metal. The findings, which significantly outpace continental competitors, showcase average concentrations of 668 mg/L with peak values exceeding 800 mg/L.

Presented on November 5, 2025, the resource estimate for the Franklin Project details 2.16 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent classified as "inferred." The average lithium concentration of 668 mg/L in the brine sets a new benchmark for North American deposits, with the Pine Forest 1 well achieving a remarkable peak concentration of 806 mg/L.

Covering approximately 80,000 acres—with over 46,000 acres already secured—the project contains significant valuable by-products alongside its lithium resource:
* 15.4 million tonnes of potash (potassium chloride)
* 2.6 million tonnes of bromide

These co-products present substantial opportunities to enhance project economics through additional revenue streams.

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Strategic Partnership with Equinor Provides Financial Backing

The Franklin Project is being advanced through Smackover Lithium, a joint venture where Standard Lithium maintains a 55% controlling interest alongside Norwegian energy leader Equinor's 45% stake. Established in May 2024, this partnership merges Standard Lithium's lithium expertise with Equinor's geological capabilities and financial resources.

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Equinor has committed up to $160 million in funding, providing substantial capital to support large-scale development of the Smackover Formation. Standard Lithium retains operational control of the joint venture.

Regulatory Milestone Achieved in Arkansas

Concurrent with the Texas discovery, Standard Lithium has cleared critical regulatory hurdles in Arkansas. On October 30, 2025, the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission unanimously approved the Integration Application for the Reynolds Brine Unit—the final permit required for the 20,854-acre brine production area.

The South West Arkansas Project is scheduled to commence production of 22,500 tonnes annually of battery-grade lithium carbonate starting in 2028. A feasibility study submitted in October projects a pre-tax internal rate of return of 20.2% with operating costs of $4,516 per tonne over a 20-year operational lifespan.

This initiative will represent the first commercial Direct Lithium Extraction facility in the United States and mark the inaugural lithium production from the Smackover Formation.

Proven Technology and Government Support

Standard Lithium's proprietary DLE technology has demonstrated operational success through its demonstration plant in El Dorado, Arkansas. Since 2020, the facility has processed over 35 million gallons of brine and completed more than 12,000 DLE cycles. Pilot testing at the Arkansas Project achieved lithium recovery rates exceeding 99%—an exceptional industry benchmark.

The U.S. Department of Energy has endorsed the project's strategic importance to the North American battery supply chain with a $225 million grant finalized in January 2025.

Looking ahead, Standard Lithium is targeting annual production of over 100,000 tonnes of lithium chemicals from its Texas operations. With two additional projects in East Texas, the joint venture could potentially triple its portfolio within the state. Subsequent phases at the Franklin Project will involve additional drilling and DLE testing ahead of a preliminary feasibility study that will guide the final production decision.