As an industry leader with significant expertise in lithium extraction and refining solutions, Aquatech is partnering with Standard Lithium to unlock the full potential of the Smackover lithium resource. Leveraging their combined expertise, this collaboration aims to establish a new benchmark for efficient and sustainable lithium extraction. The KTS DLE technology was acquired by Aquatech in September 2025. For further information please reference the following news release: Aquatech Acquires Koch's Direct Lithium Extraction Business. Koch remains the largest current shareholder in Standard Lithium.
On October 28, 2024, the JV entered into a license agreement with KTS (transferred to Aquatech) to deploy and use their Li-Pro LSS technology for Phase 1 of the SWA Project. The license agreement includes certain technology performance guarantees for lithium recovery, contaminant rejection and water use. Standard Lithium also has regional exclusivity in the Smackover for the LSS process.
Aquatech's commitment to comprehensive project support, from process design to implementation, ensures maximum lithium recovery and efficient project execution.
Partnership Highlights:
- Industry Leaders: Combining the strengths of two established leaders in their respective fields.
- Proven Technology: Utilizing the Li-Pro™ technology, a rigorously tested and validated direct lithium extraction solution. Ran over 12,000 operational cycles at the Standard Lithium Demonstration Plant.
- Scalable Solution: Developing a model that can be replicated across the Smackover Formation and beyond.
- Responsible Extraction: Committed to minimizing environmental impact and maximizing resource efficiency.
Significant alignment between Standard Lithium and Aquatech
- Joint Development Agreement with Aquatech (successor to KTS) to collaborate on technology and process solutions for commercial Direct Lithium Extraction
- License agreement with Aquatech to deploy and use their Li-Pro LSS technology at the commercial processing facility for Phase 1 of the South West Arkansas project