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. (NYSE American: SLI) and global energy leader Equinor has reported receiving more than $1 billion in expressions of interest from major Export Credit Agencies for senior secured project debt to support Phase 1 construction of the South West Arkansas Project. According to the announcement, the joint venture is pursuing up to $1.1 billion in limited recourse project financing that 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. The Export Credit Agencies expressing interest include EXIM and Export Finance Norway, both significant institutions in international project financing. 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.

The South West Arkansas Project represents a greenfield development located in southern Arkansas within the Smackover Formation, a world-class lithium brine asset. Standard Lithium describes itself as 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 (DLE) and purification process. The company's flagship projects are concentrated in the Smackover Formation, with focus areas in both Arkansas and Texas. In partnership with Equinor, Standard Lithium is advancing the South West Arkansas Project while also actively developing a promising lithium brine resource position in East Texas, including what the company describes as the highest known lithium brine grade project in North America, the Franklin Project.

The announcement noted that all expressions of interest remain subject to due diligence, approvals and definitive documentation. This financing development comes as the joint venture continues to advance the project toward construction phase. The strong institutional interest from Export Credit Agencies suggests confidence in the project's technical and economic viability, particularly given the strategic importance of domestic lithium production for battery manufacturing and energy transition initiatives.

For investors and industry observers, this financing milestone represents significant progress toward commercial development of what could become a major North American lithium production facility. The involvement of Export Credit Agencies typically indicates that projects have undergone rigorous evaluation and meet specific criteria related to national interest, export potential, and economic development. More information about Standard Lithium is available through the company's website at https://www.standardlithium.com.