This report presents the definitive feasibility study for a commercial lithium extraction plant at the LANXESS South Plant in Arkansas, based on testing and historical data.
Report context
The technical report is dated October 18, 2023, with an effective date of August 18, 2023, and was prepared for Standard Lithium Ltd. The project is located at the LANXESS South Plant and is designed to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate from Smackover Formation brine using a direct lithium extraction (DLE) process followed by purification, concentration, and conversion.
Processing route
Process overview
The proposed commercial plant employs a multi-stage processing route. Brine is supplied from the LANXESS South Plant operations, where it is already used for bromine production. The plant design includes brine pre-treatment, direct lithium extraction, lithium chloride solution purification and concentration, and lithium carbonate conversion.
Brine pre-treatment
Pre-treatment of the brine occurs at the LANXESS facility. The process includes brine pH control and brine filtration. Demonstration plant testing was conducted for brine pre-treatment, and key findings were reported from that testwork.
Direct lithium extraction
The DLE process is based on lithium selective sorption. Testing was conducted at a demonstration plant located at the site. The demonstration plant processed brine from the LANXESS operations. After lithium extraction, the lithium-depleted brine is returned to the LANXESS facility for reinjection.
Lithium chloride solution purification and concentration
The LiCl solution from DLE undergoes a series of purification and concentration steps. Testing included brackish water reverse osmosis (BWRO) and osmotically assisted reverse osmosis (OARO) for concentration. Calcium and magnesium removal was tested through soda lime softening and ion exchange. Boron removal was tested using ion exchange.
Lithium carbonate crystallization
Three production runs of lithium carbonate were completed during testwork. The first, second, and third production runs each produced lithium carbonate from the purified and concentrated LiCl solution. The crystallization process is followed by drying, milling, and packaging.
Energy, water, and process materials
The report specifies energy requirements, water supply, and reagent needs for the proposed commercial plant. These are based on the design and testwork results.
Key reported parameters
| Parameter | Basis | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Resource estimate | Geologic and simulation model | Reported in Section 14 |
| Reserve estimate | Definitive feasibility study | Reported in Section 15 |
| Brine source | LANXESS South Plant operations | Smackover Formation |
| DLE process | Demonstration plant testing | Lithium selective sorption |
| Concentration method | Testwork | BWRO and OARO |
| Purification method | Testwork | Soda lime softening, ion exchange |
| Product | Testwork | Lithium carbonate |
Project website: https://www.standardlithium.com/projects/smackover/
Technical qualifications
This report is a NI 43-101 technical report that contains forward-looking information. The mineral resource and reserve estimates, development plans, recovery methods, and production expectations are based on assumptions that are subject to uncertainties and contingencies. The report notes that actual results may vary from those projected. The process descriptions are based on historical testing, demonstration plant testing, and the proposed design for the commercial plant. No actual commercial plant operating data is available as the plant is not yet constructed. The report identifies process technical risks and mitigation measures in Section 13.14.
Source: Technical Report for the Definitive Feasibility Study for Commercial Lithium Extraction Plant at LANXESS South Plant, Report RSI-3353, effective date August 18, 2023, report date October 18, 2023.
