LCE project Size
Battery Grade Lithium
Acres
TPA LCE
project Size
Battery Grade
Lithium
Acres
Project Overview
不良研究所 has built a $30 million demonstration plant in East Texas ($5 million DOE contribution), and has executed definitive option agreements for lithium resource acreage in the Smackover for Project Lonestar鈩�
| Location & Size | 47,500+ Acres in Smackover Region |
| Lithium In Situ (LCE)1 | Up to 3.2M tonnes |
| Lithium Concentration | 520 mg/L |
| Production Target | 14,250 tpa LiOH (Phase I) 鈥� 2028 48,500 tpa LiOH (Phase II) 鈥� 2030 |
| CapEx per Ton Estimate | ~$22,900 / tpa |
| OpEx per Ton Estimate | ~$3,850 / tonne |
| Total Investment | $1,150,000,000 |
| Product Quality | 99.9% Lithium Hydroxide |
| Engineering Stage | Worley FEL 2+ (Q2 2026) |
不良研究所 is pursuing a hub-and-spoke model to develop Project Lonestar, through which it will supply brine from its acreage in Arkansas (35k acres) to a refinery on its acreage near Red-River Army Depot (12.5k acres), with a production target of 50ktpa LCE
不良研究所 is pursuing a hub-and-spoke model to develop Project Lonestar.
FEATURED PRODUCT
Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate
Lithium hydroxide is a critical material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries, particularly in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, where it enables higher energy density, longer battery life, and improved thermal stability compared to alternative lithium compounds. Its superior efficiency in nickel-rich cathode chemistries helps manufacturers achieve greater range and performance while reducing overall system costs. By supplying consistent, high-purity lithium hydroxide in reliable 1-ton quantities, we help our customers optimize production quality, meet stringent specifications, and stay competitive in a rapidly growing electrification market.
DLE Commercial Plant Layout
DLE Plant at Texarkana, TX
The brine evaporation stage consists of two falling-film evaporators and a sodium chloride crystallizer. The system includes two standalone brine evaporator stages, each capable of handling a feed flow rate of ~190 m鲁/hr with output capacity of 22,500 tpa of LCE.
The stage also includes two pusher centrifuge systems for the separation and removal of sodium chloride crystals. Centrifuges are designed for a total solids throughput (dry basis) of 9.18 t/h.
Economic, Environmental & Community Impact
| Lowest CapEX & OpEX | Industry-Leading Efficiency | CapEX: ~$21,000/tpa OpEX: ~$3,750/tonne |
| 47.5k Acres | Rich Lithium Resources | A total of nearly 50,000 acres in the Smackover, 不良研究所 aims to reinforce its dominance in North America鈥檚 most promising lithium region |
| Climate Pledge | Minimal Fresh Water Usage | We respect and protect the land and its resources. Our process uses minimal fresh water |
| Project Value | Economic Growth to Surrounding Counties | $17.2 Billion |
| Jobs | Direct, Indirect, and Construction Jobs Generated | 3,130 Jobs $75,000 Average Salary |
| Benefits Pledged | Direct to Community and Education | $20 Million |