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Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) has reached a pivotal milestone for its Green River Lithium Project with the final approval for water (brine) extraction granted by the State of Utah's Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights. This approval is a key step in advancing the company's lithium extraction operations, which are critical for its strategic plans in the lithium market.
The approval process for this extraction right began with an application submitted in July 2023. This application was made by Blackstone Minerals NV LLC, a fully-owned subsidiary of Anson Resources operating in the United States. Following the initial submission, the company received preliminary approval from the state engineer in May 2024. However, the process did not end there. Anson Resources was later notified that the state engineer had granted a request to reconsider the extraction right.
After a comprehensive review, the reconsideration process has now concluded, and the extraction right has been formally approved. This authorization permits Anson Resources to extract up to 19 cubic feet per second (0.54 cubic meters per second) of brine, which will be used in the company's lithium extraction processes. The brine extracted will be returned to the geological formation from which it was originally sourced, ensuring that the process is environmentally sustainable.
The Division of Water Rights determined that the use of brine is non-consumptive, as all extracted brine will be reinjected into the ground. This determination was supported by the submission of an underground injection control (UIC) technical report, specifically for a “UIC Class 5 Spent Brine Return” Well, which was approved by the Utah Division of Water Quality last month.
The company plans to develop four extraction wells, which will be located on private land acquired by Anson Resources in the previous year. These wells are strategically situated within close proximity to the proposed lithium extraction plant, which will facilitate efficient operations and processing. The location of these wells on newly purchased private land ensures that the extraction process is closely aligned with the company’s operational infrastructure and project goals.
This approval marks a significant advancement for Anson Resources, positioning the company to move forward with its lithium extraction plans and enhance its presence in the growing lithium market. The successful completion of this approval process is expected to contribute positively to the company's operational capabilities and long-term project viability.
