Smackover Lithium Gains Approval for Arkansas Brine Production Unit

The Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission has unanimously approved the establishment of the Reynolds Unit, a 20,854-acre brine production unit for the South West Arkansas Project, part of Smackover Lithium—a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor. This regulatory milestone, reached with no objections from community stakeholders, paves the way for commercial production targeted for 2028, with the unit expected to produce 22,500 tonnes of battery-quality lithium carbonate annually. Company leaders from both Standard Lithium and Equinor highlighted the significance of this approval in advancing the project and emphasized ongoing collaboration with regulators and the community to set a competitive royalty rate by late May. The project is seen as a key step in strengthening domestic lithium production and supporting the battery supply chain in the United States. Standard Lithium's focus on sustainable development and its strong financial health were also noted as positive indicators for the venture's prospects. The Smackover Formation, where the project is located, is recognized as a premier lithium brine asset in North America.