Anson Delivers Positive Hydro Power Study at Paradox Lithium Project

Anson Resources Limited (ASX: ASN, ASNOC, ASNOD) (Anson or the Company) is pleased to announce highly positive results from a hydro power energy recovery study at its Paradox Lithium Project (the Project) in the Paradox Basin in Utah, USA.

Highlights:

• Hydro power energy recovery study identifies significant opportunity to further reduce carbon emissions, improve ESG credentials and reduce operating costs at the Paradox Project
• Study results indicate up to 7MW of ‘green energy’ may be generated during brine extraction and transportation to lithium extraction plant via the addition of small scale hydro energy plants;
  • Up to 4MW of power may be generated from each of the brine recovery wells at surface where pressure is expected to be 1700+psi; and
  • Up to an additional 3MW of power may be generated at the lithium extraction plant with brine falling vertically 330m from wells with a specific gravity of 1.28
• Anson to conduct further studies and technologies to meet its goal of producing lithium with low carbon emissions to the standards of potential offtake partners and OEM’s

• Utilise the hydraulic power of brine flowing from the wells; and
  
• Utilise the energy generated by brine being transported to the production location, from the top to the bottom of a canyon - 330m (1,000 feet) - to the processing plant.

The results of the study indicated that small scale hydro power units could be installed to capture useable energy from both.

The study also identified opportunities to; further reduce carbon emissions, improve ESG credentials and reduce operating costs of the Project.

Previous engineering studies indicated that the pressure of the brine at a depth of approximately 2,000m (6,500 feet) was measured and recorded as approximately 4,500psi, and was sufficient to lift the brine to surface without mechanical pumping. It also indicated that the energy was not exhausted at the top of the well, as the pressure was measured at 1,700psi at this point.

The Worley hydro power energy study identified that each of the recovery wells could be connected to a small Pelton Pit Turbine (see Figure 1) to extract the energy generated by the pressure and create hydro power. Based on the study and available information, up to 4MW of power may be generated using small Pelton Pit Turbines.

Figure 1: Example of commercially available Small Pit Pelton hydro power unit for location at the recovery site

In addition, the Worley study identified that power may also be generated as the brine enters the lithium extraction and processing plant. A small powerhouse would need to be constructed to house the turbine and generator to produce up to 3MW of power, see Figure 2.

Figure 2 : Example of small scale hydro powerhouse, turbine etc for location at the lithium extraction plant site

The Front End Engineering Design (FEED) currently being undertaken will further examine the option to include hydro power generation as part of the Project’s overall power supply strategy.

Anson’s Executive Chairman and CEO, Mr Bruce Richardson commented:

“Anson has a commitment to identifying opportunities to lower its environmental disturbance and carbon emissions with the use of technology. From the commencement of development of the Paradox Lithium Project, Anson has sought technologies to reach this objective.

This has included the use of Direct Extraction technology rather than traditional ponds. Harnessing naturally occurring pressure to bring brine to surface rather than pumping using carbon-based fuels and then using pressure at the well-head to generate electricity is another example of how Anson is seeking to reduce emissions.

Generating hydro power from the vertical fall from the recovery point to the production site is a further example of how the Company is seeking to achieve its low carbon intensity targets.

Anson is committed to building a lithium extraction process that will meet the standards for emissions that will be set in 20 years, not those set 20 years ago. The potential to utilise hydropower provides not only the ability to assist us in reaching this goal but also provides the Company with a cost advantage compared to its competitors.”

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Executive Chairman and CEO.

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