Smackover Lithium’s South West Arkansas Project Receives Royalty Rate Approval From the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission

Core Insights - The Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission has approved a 2.5% royalty rate for lithium extraction from brine, marking a significant milestone for lithium development in Arkansas [1][2][3] Company Overview - Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on sustainable lithium-brine properties in the U.S., particularly in Arkansas and Texas [4] - The company aims for commercial-scale lithium production using a Direct Lithium Extraction process [4] - Standard Lithium is partnered with Equinor to advance the South West Arkansas project, which is a greenfield initiative [4][6] Project Details - The Reynolds Unit of the South West Arkansas Project is expected to have a production capacity of 22,500 tonnes per year of battery-quality lithium carbonate, with full commercial production anticipated by 2028 [3] - The total proposed royalty compensation for brine owners, including the brine fee, is approximately 3% based on current lithium prices [2] Industry Context - The approval of the royalty rate establishes a precedent for other lithium development companies operating in Arkansas, potentially encouraging further investment in the sector [1][3]