Standard Lithium and Equinor Joint Venture Secures Over $1 Billion in ECA Interest for Arkansas Lithium Project

The Smackover Lithium joint venture between Standard Lithium Ltd. and Equinor has reported receiving over $1 billion in expressions of interest from major Export Credit Agencies, including EXIM and Export Finance Norway, for senior secured project debt to support Phase 1 construction of the South West Arkansas Project. The joint venture is pursuing up to $1.1 billion in limited recourse project financing, which would combine ECA-backed lending and guarantees with an uncovered commercial bank tranche. Market sounding with global lenders delivered strong interest at indicative terms that exceeded the targeted debt amount and aligned with expectations on cost, tenor, and structure.

Management stated that the response underscores the project's strategic importance and technological de-risking as the joint venture advances toward a Final Investment Decision. All expressions of interest remain subject to due diligence, approvals, and definitive documentation. This development represents a significant milestone for the project's financing strategy and demonstrates institutional confidence in the venture's viability. The substantial ECA interest suggests recognition of the project's alignment with national strategic interests in critical mineral supply chains and clean energy transition goals.

Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on the sustainable development of a portfolio of large, high-grade lithium-brine properties in the United States. The company prioritizes projects characterized by high-grade resources, robust infrastructure, skilled labor, and streamlined permitting. Standard Lithium aims to achieve sustainable, commercial-scale lithium production via the application of a scalable and fully integrated Direct Lithium Extraction and purification process. More information about the company is available at https://www.standardlithium.com.

The company's flagship projects are in the Smackover Formation, a world-class lithium brine asset, focused in Arkansas and Texas. In partnership with global energy leader Equinor, Standard Lithium is advancing the South West Arkansas Project, a greenfield project located in southern Arkansas, and actively advancing a promising lithium brine resource position in East Texas, including the highest known lithium brine grade project in North America, the Franklin Project. The latest news and updates relating to Standard Lithium are available in the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SLI. The full press release regarding the ECA interest can be viewed at https://ibn.fm/Tl1rh.

The implications of this announcement extend beyond project financing to broader industry and geopolitical considerations. The strong ECA support indicates that major export credit institutions view domestic lithium production as strategically important for energy security and industrial competitiveness. This financing interest comes at a critical time when global demand for lithium continues to accelerate with the transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. The project's advancement could contribute to reducing U.S. dependence on foreign lithium sources, particularly from geopolitically sensitive regions, while creating domestic jobs and economic development in Arkansas.

Technologically, the project's utilization of Direct Lithium Extraction represents a more sustainable approach to lithium production compared to traditional evaporation pond methods, potentially reducing environmental impact and water usage. The partnership with Equinor brings significant energy industry expertise and financial resources to the venture, enhancing its credibility and execution capabilities. As the joint venture moves toward a Final Investment Decision, the substantial financing interest provides momentum and validation for what could become a significant contributor to North American lithium supply. The project's success could establish a model for future critical mineral developments in the United States, demonstrating how public and private financing can support strategic domestic resource projects.