Anson Resources Ltd. and POSCO Holdings Inc. have approved terms for a binding agreement for the construction of a Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) demonstration plant at the Green River lithium project in Utah, US.
Under the agreement, POSCO will design, build, and operate the DLE plant at the Utah-based project at its own expense.
This move follows a memorandum of understanding signed in mid-2025 and marks a technical de-risking phase for the asset.
The demonstration facility is designed to validate POSCO’s non-commercial DLE technology on a continuous industrial scale, specifically using brines from Anson’s Bosydaba #1 well.
Unlike traditional evaporation ponds, DLE technology is viewed as a game-changer for the industry, offering faster production times and a smaller environmental footprint.
Under the deal, POSCO will handle all engineering and maintenance costs, while also paying Anson a facilitation fee of approximately AU$7.2 million. In return, Anson will provide the necessary site access, infrastructure, and brine supply.
Anson CEO, Bruce Richardson, described the partnership as a transformational step “that highlights the growing importance of securing domestic lithium supplies within the US.
“Moving from a non-binding MoU to a fully executed agreement underscores the strong technical confidence POSCO has in our asset and highlights the increasing strategic importance of domestic U.S. lithium supply,” he said.
POSCO Holdings echoed this sentiment, noting that the collaboration would strengthen the North American lithium supply chain and help the company evaluate pathways for future commercial production.
The formal agreement is expected to be signed by the end of June.
Construction and commissioning are slated to begin in 2027, with the demonstration phase wrapping up in 2028.
During this period, both companies have expressed intent to discuss further commercial collaboration, including potential joint investment in full-scale production at Green River.
