Standard Lithium and partner Equinor filed a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Franklin lithium brine project in East Texas, recommending advancement to a Preliminary Feasibility Study. The study outlines an annual production capacity of up to 70,000 tonnes of battery-quality lithium carbonate over a 20-year life, with initial production targeted for the early 2030s. Key economic metrics include an unlevered pre-tax net present value (NPV) of $5.9 billion, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 25.7%, and a three-year payback period. The project features high-grade brine with average lithium concentrations of 515 mg/L and average annual cash operating costs of $4,226 per tonne. Standard Lithium holds a 55% economic interest in the partnership.
