Smackover Lithium Receives DOE Finding of No Significant Impact for Arkansas Project
Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium Ltd. and Equinor, announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has concluded its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review for the South West Arkansas Project. The DOE issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), imposing no additional mitigation measures. This regulatory milestone clears the path for the partnership to proceed toward a Final Investment Decision (FID). The project, supported by a $225 million DOE grant awarded in January 2025, was expedited under the Fast-41 Program as a priority critical mineral initiative. Company executives highlighted this achievement as crucial for advancing U.S. energy security and domestic lithium production. With federal reviews complete, Smackover Lithium is focusing on finalizing construction contracts, customer offtake agreements, and financing. The partners aim to take the FID and begin construction in 2026, targeting first commercial production by 2029. This development underscores the companies' commitment to responsible lithium extraction using direct lithium extraction technology in the Smackover Formation.
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