Anson Resources Secures Permits for 10,000 Tonne Lithium Carbonate Plant at Green River
Anson Resources has clinched approval for its Small Scale Mining Operation at its Green River Lithium Project, clearing the way for a 10,000 tpa lithium carbonate plant in Utah. With all major permits in hand, the company moves closer to refining costs and advancing project financing.
- Small Scale Mining Operation approved for 10,000 tpa lithium carbonate
- All major permits granted for full-scale production plant
- Definitive Engineering Study underway to refine capital costs
- Project located on privately owned land with strong infrastructure access
- Environmental impact minimised through sustainable site selection
Key Permits Unlock Development Milestones
Anson Resources (ASX:ASN) has secured a crucial green light for its Green River Lithium Project in Utah, with approval granted for its Small Scale Mining Operation (SMO). This permits the company to develop a lithium carbonate production plant targeting 10,000 tonnes per annum (tpa), marking a significant step beyond earlier planning stages.
The SMO approval covers a production site comprising a Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) processing plant, brine extraction wells, and a disposal field, all situated within city limits on privately owned land. This location benefits from existing infrastructure including proximity to the interstate road I-70, national rail, power, and water access from the Green River, enabling streamlined project execution.
Cost Efficiency and Engineering Study in Focus
Following an internal review of its Front-end Planning Stage 1 scoping study, Anson identified potential capital cost savings by relocating the plant southwards and trimming unnecessary infrastructure. This smaller footprint promises reduced ground disturbance and lower construction expenses, with the revised layout to be evaluated in the ongoing Definitive Engineering Study (DFS) scheduled for completion in Q1 2027.
The DFS aims to sharpen cost estimates and will underpin discussions with investors, strategic partners, and financiers. Anson is positioning the Green River project as the lowest capital intensive lithium carbonate producer in the US, a competitive edge that could attract stronger investment interest.
Environmental and Regulatory Foundations
All major permits required for the full-scale plant have now been granted, including the Underground Injection Control (UIC) permit allowing reinjection of spent brine back into subsurface formations. This regulatory milestone removes a key uncertainty that previously hindered timeline commitments.
The project’s environmental strategy emphasises minimal new ground disturbance by siting drill pads on previously disturbed flat land within private property boundaries. This approach aligns with Anson’s commitment to sustainable development and reducing ecological impact.
Subsurface Modelling Supports Resource Development
Anson has developed a comprehensive 3D Petrel geological model integrating regional groundwater flow data and seismic attributes. This model informs optimal well placement, predicts extraction rates, and feeds into engineering studies to estimate operating costs for production and disposal wells.
Historical oil and gas wells in the area, some converted to disposal wells, confirm the geological suitability for brine reinjection. The project’s brine extraction and disposal wells are strategically located within a few hundred meters of the processing plant to optimise operations.
Strong Foundations for Next Development Phase
Located on a 59.6-hectare private land parcel in Emery County, the Green River site benefits from easy access to a potential local workforce and existing infrastructure. The project area is classified as Industrial Land and sits safely above flood zones.
Executive Chairman and CEO Bruce Richardson highlighted that the SMO approval is the last major government permit needed, enabling the company to advance into project financing. This milestone reflects years of relationship-building with government agencies and clears the path toward construction and production.
Bottom Line?
With all major permits secured, Anson Resources is poised to refine its capital plan and accelerate financing efforts for its 10,000 tpa lithium carbonate plant at Green River.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the revised plant layout impact overall project economics once DFS results are released?
- What financing structures and partners will Anson target following permit approvals?
- How will Anson balance production ramp-up with environmental safeguards in a sensitive region?
