Arkansas lithium project hires Wood to strengthen US domestic supply chain

Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium (NYSE.A: SLI, TSXV: SLI) and Equinor, signed a 10-year offtake agreement with LG Energy Solution for 8,000 metric tonnes/year of lithium carbonate. This deal, plus a prior one with Trafigura, covers 90% of the SWA Project's targeted offtake volume. The agreement supports project financing, with a Final Investment Decision expected this year and production planned for 2029.

Standard Lithium Ltd. (SLI) and Equinor's partnership, Smackover Lithium, signed a 10-year offtake agreement with LG Energy Solution to supply 8,000 metric tonnes/year of lithium carbonate. This secures 90% of the SWA Project's targeted offtake volume, supporting financing plans and a Final Investment Decision. Construction is planned post-FID, with production expected in 2029.

Standard Lithium Ltd. reported Q2 2026 results and said the U.S. DOE concluded NEPA review for its South West Arkansas (SWA) project with a Finding of No Significant Impact. The company executed EPCC and EPCM construction contracts and reported $137.3 million cash and $137.1 million working capital as of June 30, 2026, targeting FID later in 2026 and construction in 2026.

Smackover Lithium, a Standard Lithium (55%) and Equinor (45%) partnership, said it signed an EPCC agreement with S&B Engineers for the South West Arkansas Project’s Central Processing Facility, with Hatch providing design and commissioning support. The CPF is ~two-thirds of estimated capex and targets 22,500 tonnes/year of battery-grade lithium carbonate. The company said remaining pre-FID items are customer offtakes and financing, with FID expected in 2026.

Smackover Lithium, a Standard Lithium–Equinor partnership, said it signed an EPCC agreement with S&B Engineers and Constructors for the Central Processing Facility of the South West Arkansas (SWA) project. The CPF scope covers brine receipt through direct lithium extraction and conversion to battery-quality lithium carbonate. The project targets 22,500 tonnes/year; the CPF is about two-thirds of estimated capex. A Limited Notice to Proceed is in place, with a full notice expected after a 2026 fi

Novartis and Ionis Pharmaceuticals reported that their experimental heart drug, pelacarsen, failed to reduce the risk of major heart attacks and strokes in a late-stage trial. The drug, targeting genetically inherited cholesterol Lp(a), lowered Lp(a) levels but did not meet its primary endpoint. Novartis shares fell 5%, and Ionis shares dropped 12% in aftermarket trading. The companies plan to present full trial data at an upcoming medical congress.