Smackover Lithium’s Arkansas project receives royalty rate approval

Smackover Lithium, a Joint Venture between Standard Lithium (SLI) and Equinor (EQNR), is pleased to announce that the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission has unanimously approved the establishment of a 2.5% royalty rate for the Reynolds Unit for Phase I of its South West Arkansas, SWA, Project in Lafayette and Columbia Counties. This is the first royalty rate for lithium from brine extraction that has been approved by the AOGC, establishing an important precedent for lithium development companies operating in Arkansas. SWA Lithium LLC applied for a quarterly gross royalty of 2.5% earlier this month. The lithium royalty will be paid to brine owners in addition to the brine fee, also referred to as the “in lieu bromine royalty,” of $65.05 per acre per year, making the total proposed royalty compensation approximately 3% based on current lithium prices. The AOGC granted approval during a special hearing yesterday in Magnolia, AR.