Standard Lithium Ltd., the Canadian lithium development company, has announced a significant resource discovery through its Smackover Lithium joint venture. The announcement, coming just days before the company’s quarterly earnings report, reveals the highest lithium concentrations ever recorded in North America. This development could potentially reverse the downward trend in the company’s share price, which has faced substantial pressure in recent weeks.
Record-Breaking Resource Assessment
On November 5, Standard Lithium released an initial resource report for its Franklin Project located in northeastern Texas. The data presents impressive figures: 2.16 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) with an average lithium concentration of 668 mg/L. One drilling operation achieved a peak concentration of 806 mg/L, establishing a new benchmark as the highest lithium concentration in brine ever documented in North America. For context, many competing U.S. lithium projects typically operate within the 200-400 mg/L range.
The resource spans approximately 46,000 hectares within a broader 80,000-hectare project area. Beyond lithium, the brine contains substantial quantities of potash salt (15.41 million tonnes) and bromide (2.64 million tonnes), potentially creating additional revenue streams for the company.
Strategic Partnership and Regional Expansion
The Franklin Project represents a key component of Standard Lithium’s collaboration with Norwegian energy giant Equinor, which holds a 45% stake in the joint venture. Their strategic objective involves establishing large-scale lithium production in Texas, targeting eventual annual output exceeding 100,000 tonnes. The Smackover Formation continues to emerge as one of North America’s most promising lithium regions, with Standard Lithium systematically securing prime positions throughout the area.
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The company’s operational roadmap includes additional drilling campaigns, reactivation of three previously idled wells, and comprehensive testing of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology. These initiatives will form the foundation for subsequent feasibility studies. Standard Lithium has further disclosed plans to develop two additional Texas projects, which would nearly triple the company’s land holdings in the state.
Market Context and Investor Expectations
Despite the promising resource announcement, Standard Lithium shares continue to face market headwinds. Technical indicators reveal an RSI reading of 20.5, signaling severely oversold conditions, while the stock trades significantly below its 50-day moving average. Market participants now await the quarterly report scheduled for November 11 with heightened interest.
Investor focus extends beyond Texas developments to include crucial updates regarding the company’s flagship Arkansas project. Particular attention centers on project financing arrangements and off-take agreements, both critical components for advancing toward commercial production. The upcoming quarterly disclosure may provide the clarity needed to restore market confidence amid recent volatility.
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