re: Diving deeper on Standard Lithium?

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Plan to finance majority of 1A with debt and reiterates the word “nondilutive” beyond that

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Huh….that is counterintuitive to what I was told and a bit concerning.

If a majority comes from debt that would likely mean a partnership is off the table.

Maybe he meant a majority of SLI’s contribution.

Dunno. I’m not totally against SLI going it alone, probably best for the long term outlook. But with “derisking” being the buzz word, a partnership is the best way to derisk. Going it alone makes the potential to fail increase significantly.

EV do you know if this transcript/video/audio is available anywhere? Would like to listen to the whole thing.

I was listening while driving so I may have missed/mischaracterized something. I'll have to relisten to the "mostly debt" part but I think it was ambiguous whether he was talking about the whole project or just SLI's portion.

FYI Transcripts are available on YouTube videos toward the bottom of their descriptions, I've recently learned

Exxon aims to begin lithium production by 2026 in Arkansas

"Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) is set to unveil its long-awaited lithium strategy on Monday with an announcement that it aims to start production of the electric vehicle (EV) battery metal in Arkansas by 2026, according to a source with direct knowledge of the oil major's plans."

"Exxon...plans to begin producing at least 10,000 metric tons per year of lithium in Arkansas by 2026 with partner Tetra Technologies (TTI.N) in what has been labeled "Project Evergreen," according to the source."

"Exxon is not expected to publicly announce which DLE technology it has chosen, according to the source. The company has a long-standing pattern of not disclosing some vendors.
Reuters reported this year that Exxon and Chevron (CVX.N) held talks with International Battery Metals (IBAT.CD) and EnergySource Minerals about licensing DLE technology."

"Separate from its Tetra partnership, Exxon also controls more than 100,000 acres in Arkansas from which it plans to begin lithium production by 2027, according to the source."

"Exxon plans to send at least six representatives to the Benchmark Minerals conference next week in Los Angeles, according to an attendance list seen by Reuters. It would mark the company's first attendance at the major critical minerals conference."

Standard Lithium's head start: [Gone] Not Gone

Tldr Exxon planning to start producing lithium in Arkansas the same year SLI plans to start. More info coming Monday.

FWIW If Mintak is being honest about the current zeal for lithium offtake/partnership, I don't believe the race really matters and I think it's good for SLI that proven companies are validating the area.

Would be nice if Exxon would just purchase SLI

Tetra is Exxon's partner for Exxon's first lithium project in Arkansas-Project Evergreen.

Exxon formally announced today the drilling of their first lithium well in Arkansas.
Standard didn't need to drill any wells for Lanxess projects and first SWA wells were in Mar23, so 8 month head start on Exxon re drilling.


Contrary to yesterday's report, Exxon is targeting first production in 2027, not 2026 like SLI. Neat.

Only reason I'm comparing SLI's situation to Exxon's is to pass time in this quiet period that FeMike (accurately) warned us about.

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Starting to wonder if Lanxess is going to opt out.

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Same here. Crazy to think, given the conviction with which I was told Lanxess is not interested.

However, I got around to watching Mintak's conference discussion and the way he talks about Lanx is not indicative of a company that is about to opt out. There were a lot of "finalizing the deal with Lanxess" and "moving forward with lanxess" lines. I know he's not going to undercut them before a decision is made but it's odd that he was so "pro" Lanxess.

Also, Lanx actually has a decent chunk of cash after a shockingly positive cash flow they just reported. With the 'imminent' sale of their urethane business, they actually could be in the market for something like this.

I think I'd still be okay with Lanxess, it could accelerate the timeline because of the familiarity and mutual vested interest. Might not have as much of a catalytic price impact as announcing a shiny new partnership with a "household US name" but I think it would definitely be the quickest and safest way to start getting these dominoes falling.

Standard Lithium Anchors U.S. Lithium Leadership in Smackover Formation, Arkansas, as Global Energy Players Enter the Region

Well look at that...our PR dept doing work. They need to be cranking these out monthly.

Gotta say I don't understand this PR at all.

That's something you pay an e-rag or blog or investment website to put out for you. Nothing material in here at all.

They didn't just throw the names "Exxon" "Albemarle" and "Lanxess" in there for no reason; something strategic to this quote in particular:

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In a region that has captured the attention of major industry players like Exxon, a company with roots extending back to Standard Oil, Standard Lithium's partnerships with Koch Industries and LANXESS are catalyzing a new wave of energy innovation. Alongside the notable presence of Albemarle,

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No idea what, but that is very purposeful. It's almost like they are trying to plant google hits.

It feels like they are posturing for something.

My guess? Albemarle and Exxon are in a huge bidding war and Standard is just trying to drive that price on up. Yeh....that's gotta be it. Definitely what this PR means.