Anson Resources (ASX: ASN) Signs Binding DLE Deal With Korean Giant POSCO

Key Highlights

• Anson Resources signs a binding Demonstration Plant Agreement with POSCO Holdings

• POSCO to fully fund, build and operate a Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) demonstration plant at Green River, Utah

• Anson to receive a non-dilutive facilitation payment of approximately A$7.2 million

• Demonstration plant operations scheduled to begin in 2027 and run through 2028

• Agreement strengthens Green River’s pathway toward commercial lithium production

Korean industrial giant backs Utah lithium project

Anson Resources (ASX: ASN) has taken a significant step toward commercialising its Green River Lithium Project in Utah, signing a binding agreement with South Korean industrial heavyweight POSCO Holdings to develop and operate a Direct Lithium Extraction demonstration plant.

The agreement moves beyond the memorandum of understanding stage that often characterises early resource-sector partnerships. Instead, it commits both parties to a defined demonstration program that could help shape the future development of the Green River project.

Under the deal, POSCO will design, construct, operate and maintain the demonstration facility at its own expense, while Anson will supply lithium-rich brine from its Bosydaba #1 well.

As part of the arrangement, POSCO will also pay Anson approximately US$5.2 million (A$7.2 million) through a facilitation fee, providing the company with non-dilutive funding while preserving its balance sheet.

Stock Price Movement

Shares of Anson Resources (ASX: ASN) climbed 5.32% to $0.050 in morning trade on Thursday, June 11, following news of the binding agreement with POSCO.

The company currently has a market capitalisation of approximately $80.17 million. ASN shares have traded between $0.042 and $0.125 over the past 12 months.

Source: MarketIndex 

Why the agreement matters

For lithium developers, proving a resource exists is only one piece of the puzzle. Demonstrating that lithium can be economically extracted and processed at scale is often where projects either advance or stall.

That is where Direct Lithium Extraction technology has attracted growing attention.

Unlike traditional evaporation ponds that can take months or even years to concentrate lithium from brines, DLE technologies are designed to extract lithium in a much shorter timeframe while returning much of the remaining water underground.

The approach has become increasingly attractive as governments and automakers seek cleaner and more efficient sources of battery materials.

The Green River project sits within the United States, a jurisdiction that has become strategically important as North America works to reduce reliance on imported battery materials and strengthen domestic supply chains.

Building on recent momentum

The announcement follows a busy period for Anson.

Earlier this year, the company reported a substantial increase in the JORC resource at Green River, while its subsidiary A1 Lithium was admitted into the U.S. Defense Industrial Base Consortium, an initiative aimed at supporting critical mineral supply chains.

The POSCO agreement adds another layer of validation.

POSCO is one of South Korea’s largest industrial groups and has become increasingly active across battery materials and energy transition sectors. Its willingness to fund and operate the demonstration facility suggests confidence in the quality of Green River’s lithium-bearing brines and the project’s long-term potential.

Executive Chairman and CEO Bruce Richardson described the agreement as a major milestone.

“Securing a definitive agreement with POSCO represents a transformational step forward for the Green River Lithium Project. Moving from a non-binding MoU to a fully executed agreement underscores the strong technical confidence POSCO has in our asset and highlights the increasing strategic importance of domestic U.S. lithium supply.”

POSCO’s executive team said the project aligns with broader efforts to strengthen North America’s battery supply chain.

“With the approval of the terms for a binding agreement, POSCO Holdings will advance validation of DLE technology in the United States and evaluate commercialisation pathways for future lithium production. We believe collaboration with Anson Resources at Green River will contribute to strengthening the North American lithium supply chain.”

Looking ahead

The demonstration plant is expected to commence operations in 2027 and continue through December 2028.

Beyond testing extraction performance, the facility is expected to provide both companies with valuable operational data as they assess potential commercial development pathways.

While commercial production remains several years away, the agreement shifts Green River further along the development curve and places Anson alongside one of Asia’s largest industrial groups.

For a junior lithium developer navigating an increasingly competitive market, securing a fully funded demonstration partnership with a global industry player may prove one of the most significant milestones in the project’s evolution.