Standard Lithium Launches Pilot Plant to Advance Direct Lithium Extraction in Arkansas

Standard Lithium has initiated a pivotal milestone in lithium extraction technology with the launch of a pilot Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) plant in South West Arkansas. The facility, developed in collaboration with Koch Technology Solutions (KTS) and supported by energy giant Equinor ASA, represents a critical advancement in sustainable battery material production.

The pilot plant will process brine directly from the site using KTS's proprietary Li-Pro™ Lithium Selective Sorption technology, with the goal of refining engineering parameters and producing battery-quality lithium carbonate. This innovative approach is expected to generate approximately 1,000 gallons of lithium chloride solution, which will be converted into 30 kg of battery-grade lithium carbonate.

The project's significance extends beyond its immediate technical achievements. By developing North America's first lithium-from-brine project in over five decades, Standard Lithium is positioning itself at the forefront of domestic clean energy infrastructure. The initiative addresses critical supply chain challenges in battery material production and supports the growing demand for lithium in electric vehicle and renewable energy storage technologies.

Strategic partnerships with Equinor ASA and Koch Technology Solutions underscore the project's potential for scalability and industrial relevance. The pilot plant will facilitate vendor selection and help establish potential off-take agreements, crucial steps in transitioning from experimental to commercial-scale lithium production.

As the global transition to clean energy accelerates, projects like Standard Lithium's pilot plant represent important technological innovations that could reshape domestic mineral extraction and battery material supply chains. The company's focus on sustainable development and advanced extraction technologies positions it as a key player in the emerging green energy ecosystem.