Anson Resources permitted to re-inject spent brine at Green River Lithium Project
Last updated: 21:10 25 Aug 2024 EDT, First published: 21:00 25 Aug 2024 EDT
Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN, OTCQB:ANSNF) continues to advance its Green River Lithium Project in the Paradox Basin in south-eastern Utah, USA, having now received permission to re-inject spent brine from its direct lithium extraction (DLE) processing plant back into subsurface formations.
The company reports that the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Quality approved the company’s Underground Injection Control (UIC) application, permitting 100%-owned subsidiary Blackstone Mineral to re-inject the spent brine back into the geological formation from which it was extracted, thereby protecting other minerals contained in the brine for future use.
Anson is planning to drill new disposal wells for the injection and disposal of the spent brine from its lithium extraction process as part of the development of the project into production.
The spent brine will be pumped via the injection wells into the Paradox reservoirs, at shallower horizons into the most permeable rock formations reducing the required pumping pressure.
Several historical plugged and abandoned oil and gas wells are in the area that feature similar brine reservoirs and confirm the existence of horizons encountered in the Green River area which can be used as the disposal zones.
Some of these wells have already been converted into disposal wells which indicates the ability for those horizons to absorb the waste brine.
Anson expects to have four disposal wells in operation — which have all been included in the one application — once the lithium processing plant has reached its optimal production rate it will.
Progressing faster than expected
Anson executive chairman and CEO Bruce Richardson said, “This approval from the Government of the State of Utah demonstrates that Anson can continue to progress the project at Green River by following the regulatory process.
“Progress in the past 12 months at Green River has been much faster than that of the Paradox [project] due to the ownership of the surface area and the support from the local and state government departments and representatives for which we are extremely grateful.
“The reinjection of the brine back into the geological formation from which it is originally extracted protects other minerals contained in the brine for future use.
“The company continues to engage with the local community to ensure that the best options for the development of the project into production are selected. We look forward to an open dialogue with the community and government as the remaining permits are considered as we move closer to production.”
Minimal environmental impact
The application further supports the positive ESG aspects of the project. Anson’s planned drilling is designed to have as little impact on the environment, social and recreational activities as possible, and drilling will be conducted on private property. The drill pads will be on flat ground in areas that have already been disturbed, meaning there will be minimal new ground disturbance.
The company says that it is using areas that have already experienced ground disturbance — consistent with its aim of developing a sustainable project and minimising environmental impact.
ASN Price at posting:
11.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
