Overview

Smackover Lithium is a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor. Formed in May 2024, Smackover Lithium is developing two Direct Lithium Extraction (“DLE”) Project Companies in southwest Arkansas and east Texas. Standard Lithium owns 55% interest and Equinor holds the remaining 45% interest in the two Project Companies, with Standard Lithium retaining operatorship.

Standard Lithium

Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on responsible lithium production. The company has lithium-brine bearing properties in the United States and aims to be a leader in responsible lithium development, prioritizing efficiency, sustainability, and community partnership.

Standard Lithium has been active in the Smackover Formation since 2018 and has what is believed to be the largest known commercial scale column operating in a DLE processing facility.

As the developer of Smackover Lithium, Standard Lithium brings a wealth of expertise in brine processing and DLE technology.

Equinor

For nearly 40 years, Equinor has been active in the US across a broad portfolio of energy projects. Current projects include oil and gas, offshore wind, low carbon solutions, battery storage and lithium development. Equinor’s ambition is to become a leading company in the energy transition.

Equinor employs over 700 people in the US and works with over 800 U.S. supply chain companies. As a core country in Equinor’s international portfolio, more has been invested in the US than any other country outside of our global headquarters in Norway.

Prior to joining Smackover Lithium, Equinor began testing DLE technologies in 2018 to build an understanding of how to scale-up including pre-treatment of subsurface brines and processing battery grade lithium chemicals. In 2021, Equinor Ventures invested in Lithium De France which is developing DLE and geothermal projects in France.

As a partner in Smackover Lithium, Equinor brings deep expertise in sub-surface assessment and production, project execution, construction and operations abilities.

  • Strong, mutually-aligned partnerships are the key to successful project execution and operation, and Smackover Lithium is ready to take the industry in Arkansas and Texas to the next level.
    Dr. Andy Robinson
    Board Director and Chief Operating Officer at Standard Lithium