Anson Advances Green River Lithium Plant with Final Major Permit Submission

Final Regulatory Green Light Nears for Green River Lithium Plant

Anson Resources (ASX:ASN) has taken a decisive step towards developing its Green River Lithium Carbonate Production Plant in Utah by submitting an updated Notice of Intent for Small Mining Operations (SMO) to the Utah Government's Division of Oil and Gas. This submission represents the final major regulatory approval required before construction can commence on the 10,000 tonnes per annum lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) plant.

The updated SMO application reflects a plant layout refined through a Pre-feasibility Study (PFS) conducted by a third-party engineering firm. The design encompasses Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) production, downstream purification facilities, and well fields, with a total ground disturbance area calculated at 19.6 acres; just under the 20-acre threshold that classifies it as a small mining operation. Approval is anticipated within the next 90 days, clearing the way for the project to advance.

Strategic Site Selection and Infrastructure Advantage

The project benefits from its location on a 147-acre privately owned parcel in Emery County, Utah, near the town of Green River. The site is classified as industrial land and is a brownfield area previously used by the US Army during the White Sands Missile Testing Program. Anson is capitalising on existing infrastructure such as access roads and sheds, which reduces capital expenditure and enhances the project's bankability.

Key infrastructure, including the national rail network, interstate highways, gas pipelines, power substations, and municipal water access, lies in close proximity to the site. This connectivity supports efficient logistics and operational readiness, positioning Green River competitively among lithium projects in the region.

Permitting Progress and Project De-risking

Notably, Anson has already secured permits for raw brine extraction and waste brine disposal, critical components of the lithium extraction process. The SMO approval will finalise the major permitting phase, with only ancillary permits such as storm water drainage expected during construction.

Executive Chairman Bruce Richardson emphasised the significance of this milestone, stating that the SMO approval will "green light the project for development from a regulatory standpoint," and that it will enhance the project’s attractiveness for financing. He also noted that the PFS and the ongoing JORC Resource estimate review will further de-risk the project and potentially increase shareholder value.

This regulatory progress follows recent technical advances reported by Anson, including a 46% increase in effective porosity at Green River, which underpins an upcoming resource upgrade and supports the refined plant design. These developments collectively strengthen the project's fundamentals ahead of construction.^{higher porosity boosting Green River lithium prospects}

Site Suitability Confirmed by Geotechnical Studies

Geotechnical investigations comprising seven boreholes, eight trenches, and geophysical surveys have confirmed the suitability of the site’s soil and rock conditions for constructing the processing plant foundations. The site’s elevation, approximately 12 metres above the Green River, mitigates flooding risks, while the sparse native vegetation and desert brush indicate minimal environmental disturbance.

With the SMO application now submitted, Anson is poised to move into the construction phase, pending permit approval and bond payment. This progress marks a critical juncture for the Green River Lithium Project as it seeks to become a significant lithium producer amid growing demand for battery metals.