Smackover Lithium Unveils Significant Maiden Resource at Franklin Project, Sparking East Texas Lithium Rush

Smackover Lithium, a rising star in the North American battery minerals sector, today announced a significant milestone with the release of its Maiden Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate for its Franklin Project, located within the prolific Smackover Formation in East Texas. This pivotal declaration, dated September 24, 2025, unveils a robust 79,000 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) at an average concentration of 115 mg/L, based on a 50 mg/L cut-off, affirming the immense potential of the region for sustainable lithium production.

The Franklin Project, a crucial part of Smackover Lithium's extensive 100% owned 115,000-acre brine position, represents just a fraction – approximately 4% – of the company's total acreage.

This initial estimate is a testament to the high-grade nature of the brine, with lithium concentrations observed ranging from an impressive 4,000 mg/L to an exceptional 14,000 mg/L. Such concentrations are highly favorable for direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies, which promise a more environmentally friendly and efficient recovery process compared to traditional methods.

Management at Smackover Lithium expressed profound excitement regarding these initial findings.

“This maiden inferred resource estimate for our Franklin Project is a groundbreaking achievement and a powerful validation of our strategic investment in the East Texas Smackover Formation,” stated a company spokesperson. “It underscores the incredible potential of our vast land package and firmly establishes our presence in the 'Lithium Four Corners' region, a burgeoning hub for domestic lithium supply.

This is just the beginning; we anticipate significant resource expansion as we continue to explore and define the remainder of our extensive acreage.”

The East Texas region is gaining prominence as a critical area for North American lithium supply, driven by its geological advantages and proximity to key industrial infrastructure.

The Smackover Formation is renowned for its high-concentration brine aquifers, making it an ideal candidate for DLE operations. Smackover Lithium's strategic holdings position the company to become a leading domestic supplier, crucial for the rapidly expanding electric vehicle and renewable energy storage markets.

Looking forward, Smackover Lithium plans to aggressively advance the Franklin Project.

The company will focus on further drilling and geological studies to upgrade and expand the inferred resource, potentially leading to a measured and indicated resource classification. Concurrently, preliminary economic assessments and scoping studies will commence to evaluate the commercial viability and optimal extraction pathways for this high-grade lithium brine.

The company remains committed to sustainable and responsible development, aiming to contribute significantly to the domestic supply chain of critical battery minerals.