$SLI

Up to nine new lithium mines may open in the U.S. by 2030, with CRU forecasting 55,000-95,000 tonnes of annual LCE production. Key projects include Lithium Americas' Thacker Pass (LAC) and Standard Lithium's (SLI) Arkansas project. U.S. output is expected to rise from 5,000 tonnes this year. Thacker Pass, backed by GM and the U.S. government, aims for initial production by late 2025. Legal and financial challenges may impact timelines.

Jefferies initiated coverage of companies in advanced materials and energy-efficiency, citing demand from electrification, AI, and defense. Top picks include Element Solutions and Almonty Industries. The firm predicts supply bottlenecks in critical minerals, estimating $65-250 trillion in energy investment needs. Jefferies recommends focusing on companies with improving returns and margins, which have historically yielded 15% annual returns.

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.

Nano One (TSX:NANO) says it produced LFP cathode active material and in-house test cells using battery-grade lithium carbonate supplied by Standard Lithium (TSXV:SLI, NYSE American:SLI) from its South West Arkansas pilot plant. Nano One reports initial coin-cell results of about 155 mAh/g first discharge and says the feedstock qualification supports supply-chain de-risking and its Candiac expansion to ~800 tpa.

Standard Lithium said lithium carbonate from its South West Arkansas (SWA) project was provided to Nano One for testing in North American LFP battery cells. Nano One used the material to make LFP cathode active material and coin cells, reporting desired properties and about 155 mAh/g on first discharge. (TSXV: SLI, NYSE.A: SLI; TSX: NANO).

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

Smackover Lithium, a partnership between Standard Lithium and Equinor, has awarded an EPCM (engineering, procurement, and construction management) contract to Wood for the upstream well field of the South West Arkansas lithium project. This project aims to produce 22,500 tonnes per annum of battery-quality lithium carbonate, supporting the strengthening of the US domestic supply chain. A Limited Notice to Proceed has been issued, allowing early engineering, permitting, and procurement work to commence ahead of the Final Investment Decision expected in 2026.