Demo Plant Operational Milestones
Processed over 1 million barrels of real Smackover brine (over six years); completed >15,000 DLE cycles; demonstrated 95%+ lithium recovery and 99%+ rejection of key contaminants; ~340,000 man-hours with zero incidents; core team of 38 engineers/operators — providing large operational dataset to de-risk scale-up.
First Binding Offtake Agreement
Signed first binding commercial offtake with Trafigura to supply 8,000 metric tons per year of battery-quality lithium carbonate over 10 years beginning at commercial production; Trafigura volume represents >40% of targeted offtake against a 22,500 tpy nameplate, while the JV is targeting ~80% of production under long-term offtake contracts.
Clear FID and Construction Timeline (Targeted)
Company plans to take final investment decision (FID) in 2026 and begin construction the same year, with first commercial production expected in 2029; vendor contracting (EPCC for downstream, EPCM for upstream) is being finalized with limited notices to proceed expected in Q2.
Strong Government Support and Permitting Progress
Project benefits from a $225 million DOE grant, FAST-41 priority designation, and a NEPA environmental assessment led by the DOE that is nearing formal conclusion (expected Q2); management does not expect further federal mitigation or approvals to block FID.
Solid Cash Position and Financing Engagement
Ended Q1 with $141.0 million cash and $139.5 million working capital; received expressions of interest from ECAs and commercial banks exceeding targeted project debt; JV targeting ~$1.1 billion senior secured, limited-recourse debt complemented by DOE grant and equity contributions.
Progress and Upside in East Texas
East Texas grades notably higher (commonly 500–800+ mg/L Li vs SWA ~400–500 mg/L), PEA for Franklin project targeted in 2026 with a PFS in early 2027; identified potential bromine and potash resources that could add optionality for future projects.