Anson Resources Surpasses EV Battery Grade Lithium Carbonate Standard

Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate Exceeds Industry Threshold

Anson Resources (ASX:ASN) has cleared a crucial technical hurdle in its Green River Lithium Project by producing lithium carbonate at 99.6% purity, just surpassing the 99.5% industry standard for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The high-purity lithium carbonate was produced by downstream processing contractor JordProxa from lithium chloride eluate extracted via Anson's Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology.

Independent verification by SGS North America confirmed the lithium carbonate’s quality, reporting low levels of impurities that align with stringent EV battery material specifications. This milestone validates the project's potential to supply battery-grade lithium carbonate suitable for the rapidly growing North American EV market.

Innovative Processing and Crystal Structure Insights

The lithium carbonate was produced from brine sourced at the Boysdaba #1 well in Utah and processed through a flow sheet developed in collaboration with JordProxa, whose work has evolved from scoping to Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) since mid-2025. Notably, the lithium carbonate crystals exhibit a needle-like morphology, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. This elongated crystal structure contrasts with the typical spherical agglomerates of industrial-grade lithium carbonate and suggests improved purity and solid-liquid separation characteristics critical for high-performance EV batteries.

These structural qualities could translate into better battery efficiency and manufacturing consistency, though commercial-scale validation remains pending. The enhanced flow sheet and processing adaptations by JordProxa have been pivotal in lifting the lithium carbonate purity from 99.4%; previously achieved by Anson’s in-house Lithium Innovation Center; to the current 99.6%.

Integration into Definitive Engineering Study and Commercial Prospects

The downstream processing design and engineering work is slated for completion by the end of 2026 and will feed into Anson’s Definitive Engineering Study expected in the first quarter of 2027. This study will consolidate the flow sheet with broader project engineering, informing commercial development decisions.

Executive Chairman and CEO Bruce Richardson underscored the significance of this development, stating it brings the project closer to meeting the specifications required by take-or-pay partner LG Energy Solutions. The Green River Lithium Project aims to integrate its DLE technology with a purpose-built lithium carbonate refinery, positioning itself as a competitive supplier within the North American battery supply chain.

Optimising downstream processing is central to maximising lithium recovery, controlling operating costs, and ensuring product quality, all of which underpin the project’s economic viability and shareholder returns.

Strategic Positioning Amid Growing Lithium Demand

With lithium demand surging globally, particularly for EV batteries, Anson’s progress in refining lithium carbonate purity and crystal quality addresses key supply chain challenges. The Green River project’s integrated approach from brine extraction through to battery-grade product aims to reduce reliance on traditional mining and processing routes.

The company’s focus on technology optimisation and partnerships like JordProxa’s engineering expertise reflects a broader trend in lithium supply innovation. As Anson advances toward commercial production, the upcoming Definitive Engineering Study will be a critical milestone to watch for indications of scale-up feasibility and cost competitiveness.