POSCO’s Due Diligence Raises Stakes for Anson’s Green River Project
Anson Resources has shipped over two tons of lithium-rich brine to POSCO in South Korea as part of a critical due diligence step for a planned demonstration plant at its Green River Lithium Project.
- Over two tons of lithium-rich, iron-free brine shipped to POSCO
- Test work to inform engineering design and cost estimates for demonstration plant
- Brine produced using Anson’s unique chemical-free iron removal process
- Demonstration plant aims to validate commercial-scale lithium extraction
- POSCO’s investment decision expected by December 2025
Strategic Shipment Marks Key Milestone
Anson Resources Ltd (ASX – ASN) has taken a significant step forward in its Green River Lithium Project development by shipping a bulk sample of over two tons of lithium-rich brine to South Korea’s POSCO Holdings. This shipment is part of POSCO’s ongoing due diligence and internal review process ahead of a planned demonstration plant at the Utah-based project.
The brine sample is notable not only for its lithium content but also because it is iron-free, achieved through Anson’s proprietary chemical-free iron removal process developed at its Lithium Innovation Center in the USA. This innovation could offer a cleaner, more efficient pathway for lithium extraction, potentially reducing processing costs and environmental impact.
Test Work to Shape Engineering and Costing
POSCO will conduct lithium extraction test work on the bulk brine sample to evaluate extraction efficiency. The results will directly feed into the preparation of initial engineering designs and cost estimates for the demonstration plant, which is intended to operate on a continuous basis and produce significant quantities of lithium carbonate. This scaled-up facility will validate the industrial process at a commercially relevant scale before any full-scale construction.
The demonstration plant is a critical milestone in the project’s timeline, with POSCO’s investment decision and the completion of due diligence expected by December 2025, as outlined in the non-binding memorandum of understanding signed between the two companies earlier this year.
Positioning for the Future Lithium Market
Anson’s Green River Lithium Project, located in southeastern Utah, sits within a region known for lithium-rich brines but has yet to see large-scale commercial lithium production. The partnership with POSCO, a global leader in steel and battery materials, signals strong industry confidence in the project’s potential to contribute to the growing demand for lithium, a critical component in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage.
By leveraging its unique chemical-free iron removal process and advancing through POSCO’s rigorous due diligence, Anson is positioning itself to become a significant player in the lithium supply chain. The successful demonstration plant could pave the way for full-scale commercial operations, aligning with global trends toward cleaner energy technologies.
Looking Ahead
While the shipment and test work represent important progress, the ultimate success of the project hinges on the outcomes of POSCO’s evaluation and subsequent investment decisions. The next six months will be critical as engineering designs and cost estimates are finalized, setting the stage for potential construction and production phases.
Bottom Line?
Anson’s collaboration with POSCO could unlock a new chapter in lithium extraction, but the coming months will reveal if the demonstration plant moves from concept to reality.
Questions in the middle?
- What will POSCO’s test results reveal about the efficiency and scalability of Anson’s lithium extraction process?
- How will the cost estimates from the demonstration plant influence POSCO’s investment decision?
- What are the timelines and conditions for transitioning from demonstration to full-scale commercial production?
