South Korean steelmaker POSCO Holdings has signed a memorandum of understanding with Anson Resources to establish and operate a demonstration plant to validate its direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology.
Under the agreement, Anson will provide the lithium feedstock and the project site, while POSCO will conduct a full-scale evaluation of the business potential of its DLE technology. Depending on the results of the demonstration, the two companies will consider forming a strategic partnership and exploring further collaboration.
Set to break ground next year, the plant will be built at the Green River lithium project in the Paradox Basin of southern Utah. Owned by Anson’s subsidiary Blackstone Minerals NV, the site offers compelling advantages, including low forecast production costs, ready access to existing infrastructure, and a skilled local workforce.
POSCO has already launched two major lithium production facilities: a 25,000-ton-per-year brine-based plant in Argentina, and a 43,000-tpy hard rock lithium plant in the Yulchon Industrial Complex in South Korea.
Sources: POSCO Holdings and Anson Resources