Standard Lithium Well Field Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) Project
Project Description
Customer Challenge
HGA began supporting Standard Lithium in 2018 when the company was developing a modular pilot plant unit in El Dorado, AR. Standard Lithium needed a qualified local engineering partner with detailed knowledge of the southern Arkansas site to prepare for installation. The challenges included verifying underground utilities, developing accurate as-built documentation, defining utility tie-ins, and ensuring the modular plant could be integrated with existing infrastructure. As Standard Lithium advanced from pilot testing to commercial-scale development, they required engineering support that could provide reliable designs, accurate cost estimates, and the flexibility to adjust as the scope evolved.
Our Solution
HGA’s initial services included site investigations, GPR scanning, preliminary plot plans, utility definitions, piping interconnections, power and communication tie-ins, building requirements, and development of a ±30% TIC estimate. The partnership expanded into full EPCM support, including commissioning, startup, and staffing of the pilot plant. HGA later led the SWA Lithium Wellfield FEED study. The team used the RouteNav™ application, field evaluations, and local expertise to optimize well pad placement and pipeline routing, which reduced construction and long-term operational costs. HGA also worked closely with Standard Lithium to standardize and consolidate equipment across pads. When design changes were required, such as pad reconfigurations and electrical upgrades, HGA adapted quickly and kept the project on schedule.
Value Delivered
HGA supported Standard Lithium from early pilot testing to commercial-scale development. Its EPCM services ensured safe and efficient installation of the pilot facility, giving Standard Lithium an advantage in developing South Arkansas brine resources. In the Wellfield FEED, HGA delivered designs that shortened pipeline length and improved accessibility, which lowered construction costs and future maintenance needs. The FEED study also produced the cost estimates required for NI 43-101 reporting to the Canadian Securities and Exchange Commission, a critical step in securing project funding. With the FEED completed, Standard Lithium and Equinor were positioned to move forward with Final Investment Decision (FID) planning and EPCM bidding.
