Anson and POSCO partner on U.S.-based DLE demonstration plant, aiming to validate technology and expand lithium supply domestically.
Anson Resources Limited has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with POSCO Holdings Inc. to jointly develop a Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) demonstration plant at the Green River Lithium Project located in the Paradox Basin, southern Utah, USA. This MoU signifies a major step toward collaborative development, with both companies also intending to explore broader partnership opportunities across the project.
As per the agreement, POSCO Holdings will make a formal investment decision concerning the demonstration plant upon completing its due diligence and internal review processes, which are expected to conclude by December 2025. The potential for additional joint ventures, including co-investment in the broader Green River Lithium Project, remains subject to the results of ongoing feasibility studies.
The Green River Lithium Project is operated by Blackstone Minerals NV LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Anson Resources. It offers several strategic advantages, such as low projected production costs, easy access to essential infrastructure, and availability of a qualified local workforce. These elements, combined with its central location within the United States, position the project to supply high-quality lithium for the rapidly expanding domestic electric vehicle (EV) battery sector.
POSCO Holdings has extensive experience in lithium extraction and a history of investments in next-generation lithium technologies, including brine and geothermal brine resources. Their long-term research and development (R&D) efforts, coupled with their expertise in the chemical sector and global distribution, make them a strong strategic partner for the Green River initiative.
The planned demonstration plant represents a critical step in advancing the project. Unlike a small-scale pilot, this facility will operate continuously and replicate commercial-scale operations. The goal is to validate the industrial feasibility of the DLE process while generating large sample quantities of lithium products to support future development and customer qualification.
Bruce Richardson, Executive Chairman and CEO of Anson Resources, emphasized the strategic value of the MoU:
"This partnership with POSCO Holdings is a significant milestone in our commercialization journey. It demonstrates the growing confidence in the Green River Lithium Project from global leaders in the chemical and battery supply chain. POSCO鈥檚 involvement underscores the asset鈥檚 quality and its importance in the evolving landscape of lithium sourcing. As supply chains increasingly focus on secure and domestic lithium supplies, Anson is well-positioned to meet this demand from within the United States, offering a cost-effective and high-purity solution. Our project benefits from strong infrastructure and a capable workforce, making it a standout opportunity in North America.鈥�
A representative from POSCO Holdings echoed this sentiment, stating:
"Our collaboration with Anson Resources is a strategic move to enhance our presence in the North American lithium market. The Green River project allows us to test the commercial viability of DLE technology on U.S. soil. We believe our combined strengths鈥擯OSCO鈥檚 operational and commercial expertise and Anson鈥檚 high-potential resource鈥攃an create exceptional value and contribute significantly to the domestic lithium supply chain."
