Trafigura signs lithium carbonate offtake agreement with Smackover
(Posted on 11/03/26)
Trafigura, a market leader in the global commodities industry, has signed a binding take-or-pay offtake agreement with Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium Ltd and Equinor, through subsidiaries of Equinor ASA, for the supply of battery-grade lithium carbonate from the South West Arkansas Project.
Trafigura is a leading commodities group deploying infrastructure, market expertise and worldwide logistics network to move metals and minerals, oil and petroleum products, gas and power from where they are produced to where they are needed, forming strong relationships that make supply chains more efficient, secure and sustainable.
Under the agreement, Trafigura will purchase 8,000 metric tonnes per year of lithium carbonate over a 10-year period, totalling 80,000 tonnes, with deliveries beginning at the start of commercial production. The SWA Project is targeting initial production of 22,500 tonnes per annum of battery-quality lithium carbonate, with opportunity for further expansion. Smackover Lithium is expected to achieve Final Investment Decision for the SWA Project during 2026, with first production anticipated in 2028.
The offtake agreement supports the development of domestic lithium production, strengthening US supply chain security for this critical mineral essential to battery manufacturing and technological development. The SWA Project will use direct lithium extraction technology to produce lithium from brine resources in the Smackover Formation in southern Arkansas.
Gonzalo De Olazaval, Head of Metals and Minerals at Trafigura, commented: “We are pleased to have signed this offtake agreement with Smackover Lithium, further strengthening our North American critical minerals footprint. The SWA Project is expected to provide a reliable source of battery-grade lithium carbonate produced in the United States, enhancing domestic supply chains. We look forward to collaborating with Smackover Lithium on this strategic project and to delivering this material to customers across North America and globally.”
The Trafigura Group also comprises industrial assets and operating businesses including multi-metals producer Nyrstar, fuel storage and distribution company Puma Energy, the Impala Terminals joint venture and Greenergy, supplier and distributor of transportation fuels and biofuels. The Group employs approximately 14,500 people, of which over 1,400 are shareholders, and operates in over 150 countries.
Latest News
SSAB delivers decarbonised steel to Vattenfall’s solar park project in Germany
(Posted on 29/05/26)SSAB is supplying decarbonised steel to Vattenfall for the construction of the ground-mounted solar... Read more
NGFA statement on STB’s decision to conditionally accept rail merger application
(Posted on 29/05/26)In accordance with the Surface Transportation Board’s merger rules, the Board has conditionally... Read more
EU feed production market forecast highlights continued stability
(Posted on 25/05/26)FEFAC market experts are forecasting continued stability in the EU compound feed production market for... Read more
Fertilizer Action Plan: recognition must now translate into delivery
(Posted on 22/05/26)Fertilizers Europe has acknowledged the European Commission’s Fertilizer Action Plan, which recognises... Read more
Tripartite MOU to establish direct U.S.–DRC cobalt supply chain
(Posted on 14/05/26)Entreprise Générale du Cobalt, EVelution Energy LLC and Trafigura Pte Ltd. has announced... Read more
Commissioning of Oxelösund electric arc furnace delayed due to permitting
(Posted on 14/05/26)SSAB’s conversion of the mill in Oxelösund to fossil-free production is being delayed due... Read more
YEC agreement supports decarbonisation of Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore operations
(Posted on 11/05/26)Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC), one of Australia’s largest Indigenous-led renewable energy... Read more
ASA Vice President urges caution in USTR Section 301 investigation
(Posted on 11/05/26)Soybean farmers are already facing significant economic headwinds and new trade actions could add further... Read more
ADM investment to upgrade Clinton, Iowa, corn processing facility
(Posted on 11/05/26)ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, has announced a multimillion-dollar investment... Read more
JV in Bayuquan, China to strengthen global raw material supply chains
(Posted on 04/05/26)CREMER ERZKONTOR GmbH has announced the official opening of its joint venture, CREMER (Yingkou) Supply... Read more
