Anson Resources Moves Forward with Green River Lithium Project After Gaining Water Rights Approval
Anson Resources has received final approval from the State of Utah, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights, allowing its subsidiary, A1 Lithium, to begin brine extraction at the Green River lithium project. This approval marks a critical milestone for the company as it progresses toward large-scale lithium production in the United States. The decision confirms that the project will not negatively impact surrounding water resources, a key concern for environmentally responsible extraction practices.
The Green River project is poised to play a significant role in expanding the domestic supply of clean lithium, a critical material for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and the decarbonization of the U.S. economy. A1 Lithium aims to begin with phase 1 production of approximately 10,000 tons of lithium carbonate annually, which would be enough to power around 250,000 electric vehicles per year. The project is expected to have a substantial economic impact on the local community, creating up to 500 construction jobs and 60 full-time positions once operational.
Greg Knox, Senior Geologist for A1 Lithium, highlighted Utah’s potential to become a leading producer of lithium in the U.S., comparing its resource potential to that of Texas in the oil industry. "A1 Lithium’s project could make Utah the largest producer of clean lithium in the country," Knox said. The company is tapping into the Paradox Basin, an area with vast lithium resources that could position Utah at the forefront of the nation's lithium production efforts.
The project utilizes Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), a cutting-edge, environmentally friendly technology that uses significantly less water compared to traditional methods and produces far less carbon dioxide. DLE employs a closed-loop process, which allows the brine to be returned to the same formation from which it was extracted, minimizing environmental impact.
Rich Nolan, President and CEO of the National Mining Association, emphasized the importance of domestic lithium production in reducing U.S. reliance on China for battery materials. "With a proposed extraction process that minimizes environmental impact and recycles 95% of water used, A1 Lithium is setting a high standard for responsible mining," Nolan stated.
Mayor of Green River, Ren Hatt, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to reinvigorate the local economy, noting that the mining and military industries that once fueled the region’s growth left in the 1960s and 1970s. "This project will be transformational for our community," Hatt said, referring to the job opportunities and economic revitalization it promises.
The approval is part of a broader trend to develop domestic lithium resources in the U.S., helping the country reduce its reliance on foreign lithium supplies. A1 Lithium’s project is seen as pivotal to establishing a sustainable and secure supply chain for the growing EV market.
