Anson Resources Limited has received final approval from the State of Utah’s Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights, for the extraction of brine at its Green River Lithium Project. This approval marks a significant milestone for Anson Resources as it moves forward with its large-scale lithium production plans in the United States. The approval process, which involved several stages of review, confirmed that the water resources and surrounding areas would not be adversely affected by the extraction of brine, a key component in the production of lithium.

The Green River Lithium Project is a major development for Anson Resources, and this approval marks the first state-level permission granted to the company for processing brine to extract lithium at Green River. The company’s 100% owned subsidiary, Blackstone Minerals NV LLC, initially filed the application for the brine extraction on 17 July 2023. After an initial approval by the State Engineer and a subsequent reconsideration, the final approval was announced on 13 September 2024. The extraction rights allow for the non-consumptive use of 19 cubic feet per second (0.54 cubic meters per second) of brine, which will be extracted and then returned to its original geological formation. This process ensures minimal environmental impact, as the brine is not permanently removed from its source.

Significance of the Approval for Lithium Production

Bruce Richardson, Executive Chairman and CEO of Anson Resources, highlighted the importance of this approval, emphasizing that the company has always been committed to working closely with all levels of government and the community to advance its projects. Richardson noted that the company had developed deep ties with the local community through extensive engagement and the hiring of local staff, which has been instrumental in securing this approval.

The approval is particularly noteworthy as it allows Anson Resources to utilize a Direct Lithium Extraction process, which is considered to have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional methods like evaporation ponds. The Green River Lithium Project continues to progress rapidly, with recent developments including the completion of the Bosydaba #1 well and the commissioning of a Sample Demonstration Plant. These advancements underscore Anson Resources’ commitment to increasing shareholder value by accelerating the development of the Green River Lithium Project.

Geological Factors and Project Location

The Green River Lithium Project is situated on private land acquired by Anson Resources last year. The project’s location, a brownfields site with prior surface disturbances, offers several geological advantages for brine extraction. The area features large geological structures such as the Ten Mile Graben, Little Grand Wash Fault, Green River Anticline, and Salt Wash Anticline, which are conducive to brine extraction due to their high pressure, increased porosity, and permeability. The geological conditions at Green River are similar to those found at the company’s other project, the Paradox Lithium Project, which also shows promising potential for lithium extraction.

The extraction process will occur in a manner that ensures there is no interaction between surface waters and the supersaturated lithium brines, with wells being steel-cased and cemented in place. The project also benefits from the presence of impermeable salt beds that separate upper and lower hydrologic systems in the area, ensuring that the extraction process does not impact existing water supplies or interfere with other uses of water.

Expert Opinion: The Future of Lithium Extraction and ESG Factors

The final approval for the Green River Lithium Project comes at a time when demand for lithium, a critical component in batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, is skyrocketing globally. Industry experts believe that Anson Resources’ use of a Direct Lithium Extraction process aligns with growing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, which are becoming increasingly important for investors. Unlike traditional evaporation ponds, the non-consumptive method proposed by Anson Resources has a significantly lower environmental footprint, a factor that could make the project more attractive to both investors and regulatory bodies.

The Green River Project’s favorable geological conditions, coupled with its innovative extraction process, position it well to become a key player in the North American lithium market. With increasing pressures to develop sustainable and low-impact lithium sources, Anson Resources’ commitment to ESG factors is likely to resonate well with environmentally conscious stakeholders. As the project continues to develop, it will be crucial for Anson Resources to maintain its strong community relations and regulatory compliance to ensure long-term success and stability in the lithium production sector.

  Anson Resources, Blackstone Minerals NV LLC, Bruce Richardson, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights, Green River Lithium Project, Paradox Lithium Project, Utah