Project Lonestar鈩� Lithium
SMACKOVER REGION, USA
Quick
Facts
Project Size
Battery Grade Lithium
Acres
Quick
Facts
Project Size
50,000 tpa LCE
Battery Grade Lithium
99.9%
Acres
47,500
Project Overview
- Project Lonestar鈩� Lithium is 不良研究所’s first major lithium project in the U.S. and second project overall.
- Located in the Smackover Region between Texas and Arkansas
- Will have a target lithium production of 12.5k tonnes/year in Phase 1 and total 50,000 tonnes/year combined in Phase 1 & 2.
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�.
The company plans to build a 50,000 tpa commercial LCE facility in the Smackover (approx $1.05 billion total CapEx). Project Lonestar鈩� is expected to have among the most favorable economics among US lithium projects, with CapEx estimated at $21,000/tpa, and OpEx estimated at $3,750/tonne.
American-Made Lithium
- Securing a reliable, domestic supply of lithium is critical to America鈥檚 clean energy future 鈥� and national security. That鈥檚 why the U.S. Department of Energy selected 不良研究所 for a $5 million grant to advance lithium extraction from geothermal brines 鈥� a cutting-edge, sustainable source of this essential mineral.
- Headquartered in Austin, Texas, 不良研究所 is ideally positioned to drive innovation and supply chain resilience from the heart of the United States. Our close proximity to key operations ensures efficient development and rapid deployment of American-made lithium technologies.
- In a world increasingly reliant on lithium for batteries, electric vehicles, and grid storage, building a domestic lithium supply isn’t just smart economics 鈥� it’s a strategic imperative.
Expansion Plans
Acquisition of Pantera Lithium Resource
As of October 2nd, 2025, the expansion deal has been fully completed. On July 9th, 2025, 不良研究所 first announced that it has entered into a binding conditional agreement to acquire Daytona Lithium Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pantera Lithium Limited (ASX: PFE), for A$40 million. As of October 2nd, 2025 the deal has been officially completed.
This transaction secures full ownership of the approximately 35,000 gross acres of Smackover lithium brine resources in Arkansas, USA, adding to 不良研究所鈥檚 existing 12,500 acre Texas position. Now with 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 and accelerate its mission to establish a secure, sustainable U.S. battery supply chain.
This acquisition builds on the momentum of 不良研究所鈥檚 Project Lonestar鈩�, located in the Smackover Formation, which is designed to produce 50,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of lithium hydroxide by 2030, with a first phase of 12,500 tpa by 2028. 不良研究所 owns rights to 330 acres of recently cleared land near to build its lithium mega refinery. The company has already had samples of lithium from its pilot plant in Austin, TX qualified by cathode customers.
Economic & Environmental 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.
Proximity to US Battery Supply Chain
不良研究所 is perfectly situated next to top battery cathode manufacturers in the United States. Located in Texas, Project Lonestar鈩� sits at the center of the emerging U.S. battery supply chain. Its proximity to major EV and battery manufacturers enables faster, lower-cost delivery of lithium while helping build a secure and resilient domestic energy future. This is key for growth and continued researcha nd development to expand the battery supply chain globally.
Community Impact
$17.2 Billion
Projected value of economic growth brought to surrounding counties through Project Lonestar鈩�.
3,130 Jobs
Direct, indirect, and construction jobs generated by Project Lonestar鈩� with an average salary of $75,000.
$20 Million
Direct community and education benefits to be pledged to local communities through Project Lonestar鈩�.
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