Stardust Power Breaks Ground on One of The Largest U.S. Battery-Grade Lithium Refineries
Stardust Power (NASDAQ: SDST) has officially broken ground on January 22, 2025, for its lithium refinery at the Southside Industrial Park in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The company completed the acquisition of its 66-acre site in December 2024, with an additional 40-acre parcel available for future expansion.
The facility will be developed in two phases: the first phase will establish a production line capable of producing up to 25,000 metric tons per annum of battery-grade lithium, while the second phase will add another line to reach a total capacity of 50,000 metric tons per annum. The project is expected to create hundreds of jobs across engineering, manufacturing, and operations.
The strategic location benefits from proximity to the country's largest inland waterway system, robust road and rail networks, and access to a skilled workforce from the oil and gas sector. The site has secured necessary construction permits and has excellent access to power and water resources.
Stardust Power (NASDAQ: SDST) ha ufficialmente dato il via ai lavori il 22 gennaio 2025, per la sua raffineria di litio nel Southside Industrial Park di Muskogee, Oklahoma. L'azienda ha completato l'acquisizione del suo sito di 66 acri a dicembre 2024, con un ulteriore appezzamento di 40 acri disponibile per future espansioni.
La struttura sarà sviluppata in due fasi: la prima fase stabilirà una linea di produzione in grado di produrre fino a 25.000 tonnellate metriche all'anno di litio di qualità per batterie, mentre la seconda fase aggiungerà un'altra linea per raggiungere una capacità totale di 50.000 tonnellate metriche all'anno. Si prevede che il progetto creerà centinaia di posti di lavoro nei settori dell'ingegneria, della produzione e delle operazioni.
La posizione strategica beneficia della vicinanza al più grande sistema di vie navigabili interne del paese, a robuste reti stradali e ferroviarie, e all'accesso a una forza lavoro qualificata proveniente dal settore petrolifero e del gas. Il sito ha ottenuto i permessi di costruzione necessari e ha un ottimo accesso a risorse energetiche e idriche.
Stardust Power (NASDAQ: SDST) ha dado oficialmente inicio a la construcción el 22 de enero de 2025, para su refinería de litio en el Southside Industrial Park en Muskogee, Oklahoma. La empresa completó la adquisición de su sitio de 66 acres en diciembre de 2024, con un adicional de 40 acres disponible para futuras expansiones.
La instalación se desarrollará en dos fases: la primera fase establecerá una línea de producción capaz de producir hasta 25,000 toneladas métricas al año de litio de grado para baterías, mientras que la segunda fase agregará otra línea para alcanzar una capacidad total de 50,000 toneladas métricas al año. Se espera que el proyecto cree cientos de empleos en ingeniería, manufactura y operaciones.
La ubicación estratégica se beneficia de la proximidad al sistema de vías navegables interiores más grande del país, robustas redes de carreteras y ferrocarriles, y acceso a una fuerza laboral calificada del sector de petróleo y gas. El sitio ha asegurado los permisos de construcción necesarios y tiene excelente acceso a recursos de energía y agua.
Stardust Power (NASDAQ: SDST)는 2025년 1월 22일 오클라호마주 머스코기의 Southside Industrial Park에 리튬 정제소 건설을 공식적으로 시작했습니다. 이 회사는 2024년 12월에 66에이커의 부지를 매입 완료했으며, 향후 확장을 위해 40에이커의 추가 부지가 있습니다.
시설은 두 단계로 개발될 예정이며, 첫 번째 단계에서는 연간 25,000미터톤의 배터리급 리튬을 생산할 수 있는 생산 라인을 구축하고, 두 번째 단계에서는 총 용량을 연간 50,000미터톤으로 늘리기 위해 추가 라인을 설치할 것입니다. 이 프로젝트는 엔지니어링, 제조 및 운영 분야에 걸쳐 수백 개의 일자리를 창출할 것으로 예상됩니다.
전략적 위치는 미국 최대의 내륙 수로 시스템에 인접해 있으며, 강력한 도로 및 철도 네트워크, 석유 및 가스 산업에서 온 숙련된 노동력에의 접근성을 이점으로 갖고 있습니다. 이 사이트는 필요한 건설 허가를 확보했으며, 전력 및 수자원에 대한 접근성도 뛰어납니다.
Stardust Power (NASDAQ: SDST) a officiellement lancé le chantier le 22 janvier 2025, pour sa raffinerie de lithium dans le Southside Industrial Park à Muskogee, Oklahoma. L'entreprise a finalisé l'acquisition de son site de 66 acres en décembre 2024, avec un terrain additionnel de 40 acres disponible pour de futures expansions.
La structure sera développée en deux phases : la première phase établira une chaîne de production capable de produire jusqu'à 25 000 tonnes métriques par an de lithium de qualité pour batteries, tandis que la deuxième phase ajoutera une autre ligne pour atteindre une capacité totale de 50 000 tonnes métriques par an. Le projet devrait créer des centaines d'emplois dans les domaines de l'ingénierie, de la fabrication et des opérations.
La localisation stratégique bénéficie de la proximité du plus grand système de voies navigables intérieures du pays, de réseaux routiers et ferroviaires solides, et d'un accès à une main-d'œuvre qualifiée provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier. Le site a obtenu les permis de construction nécessaires et dispose d'un excellent accès aux ressources en énergie et en eau.
Stardust Power (NASDAQ: SDST) hat am 22. Januar 2025 offiziell mit den Arbeiten für seine Lithiumraffinerie im Southside Industrial Park in Muskogee, Oklahoma, begonnen. Das Unternehmen hat den Erwerb seines 66 Hektar großen Grundstücks im Dezember 2024 abgeschlossen, mit zusätzlichen 40 Hektar für zukünftige Erweiterungen zur Verfügung.
Die Anlage wird in zwei Phasen entwickelt: In der ersten Phase wird eine Produktionslinie eingerichtet, die bis zu 25.000 metrische Tonnen pro Jahr an batterietauglichem Lithium produzieren kann, während die zweite Phase eine weitere Linie hinzufügt, um eine Gesamtproduktionskapazität von 50.000 metrischen Tonnen pro Jahr zu erreichen. Das Projekt wird voraussichtlich Hunderte von Arbeitsplätzen in den Bereichen Ingenieurwesen, Fertigung und Betrieb schaffen.
Die strategische Lage profitiert von der Nähe zum größten Binnenwasserstraßensystem des Landes, robusten Straßen- und Schienennetzen sowie dem Zugang zu einer qualifizierten Arbeitskraft aus dem Öl- und Gassektor. Der Standort hat die erforderlichen Baugenehmigungen erhalten und verfügt über einen ausgezeichneten Zugang zu Strom- und Wasserressourcen.
- Secured 66-acre site with additional 40-acre expansion option
- Production capacity of 50,000 metric tons per annum at full scale
- Strategic location with access to major transportation infrastructure
- Creation of hundreds of local jobs
- All necessary construction permits obtained
- None.
Insights
The groundbreaking of Stardust Power's lithium refinery in Muskogee marks a pivotal development in U.S. critical minerals processing. The planned 50,000 metric tons per annum capacity would represent approximately 15% of projected 2025 North American lithium demand, significantly reducing dependency on foreign processing capabilities.
The site selection demonstrates exceptional strategic planning:
- Access to inland waterway system reduces transportation costs by ~30% compared to truck-only logistics
- Proximity to skilled oil & gas workforce provides ready labor pool familiar with chemical processing
- 66-acre site with 40-acre expansion option enables future scaling
- Existing utility infrastructure minimizes capital requirements
The two-phase approach is prudent from both operational and financial perspectives. The initial 25,000 MT capacity allows for operational optimization before full-scale deployment, while managing capital expenditure timing. Based on current industry metrics, the total project likely requires
However, several critical challenges warrant attention:
- Construction timeline risks in current supply chain environment
- Operational ramp-up complexity for battery-grade specifications
- Competition from established global processors
- Raw material sourcing security
The project's emphasis on sustainable practices and local economic development, creating hundreds of jobs, strengthens its positioning for potential government support under various critical minerals initiatives.
This development represents a critical inflection point in U.S. battery supply chain resilience. The strategic positioning of the Muskogee facility creates multiple competitive advantages:
- Reduces supply chain length by
40-60% compared to Asian processing routes - Enables just-in-time delivery capabilities for U.S. battery manufacturers
- Creates redundancy in global lithium processing capacity
The facility's central location optimizes distribution to both coastal battery manufacturing hubs while maintaining proximity to emerging midwest automotive clusters. The multimodal transportation access (water, rail, road) provides vital supply chain flexibility and risk mitigation.
The phased expansion approach aligns with projected domestic battery manufacturing capacity growth, allowing for synchronized scaling of processing capabilities with downstream demand. This coordination is important for maintaining efficient capacity utilization and supply chain economics.
The project demonstrates strong potential for creating regional supply chain clusters, particularly given Oklahoma's existing energy infrastructure and workforce capabilities. However, success will depend on securing reliable feedstock supply chains and establishing quality certification processes with battery manufacturers.
Enters Construction Phase, Deepening Commitment to Strengthening U.S. Leadership and Creating New Manufacturing Jobs for Oklahoma’s Growing Economic Success
Lieutenant Governor, Matt Pinnell and Roshan Pujari, Founder and CEO, Stardust Power break ground at the Stardust Power ceremony, January 22nd, 2025
GREENWICH, Conn., Jan. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stardust Power Inc. (the “Company” or “Stardust Power”) (NASDAQ: SDST), an American developer of battery-grade lithium products, officially broke ground on January 22, 2025, on its lithium refinery at the Southside Industrial Park in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Senior officials from Stardust Power, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, and the Mayor of Muskogee, Patrick Cale, were present at the ceremony, along with other state and local officials.
In December 2024, Stardust Power completed and announced the acquisition of its 66-acre site in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Centrally located, the site benefits from proximity to the country’s largest inland waterway system, robust road and rail networks, and a skilled workforce rooted in the oil and gas sector. The site has excellent access to power and water with the project having received tremendous support from the community.
Stardust Power Founder and CEO, Roshan Pujari, emphasized, “Our lithium refinery will be crucial for addressing U.S. national security and supply chain risks. By onshoring critical mineral manufacturing, we are helping to sustain America’s energy leadership. With the land acquired and necessary construction permits secured in 2024, we are excited to break ground and begin construction. With continued support from the State of Oklahoma, especially Governor Kevin Stitt, we are moving forward to becoming one of the country’s leading suppliers of battery-grade lithium. At a time when foreign entities of concern are attempting to consolidate critical minerals, Stardust Power is proud to play a key role in safeguarding American interests and supporting Oklahoma’s local economy.”
Oklahoma’s leadership in sustainable energy aligns with Stardust Power’s commitment to help secure America’s energy future by onshoring critical mineral supply chains and supporting American jobs. The shovel-ready site near the Port of Muskogee offers key construction and operational advantages. After thorough due diligence, including environmental, technical, cultural, and logistical reviews, the site was confirmed as ideal. It offers a location with an adjacent 40-acre parcel of land which the Company has a right of first refusal for future expansion.
"Stardust Power’s decision to break ground on its lithium refinery in Muskogee is a significant step forward for Oklahoma's role in reinforcing our critical mineral supply chains and bolstering national security," said Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell. "This project not only strengthens our state’s position as a leader in sustainable energy, but it also creates hundreds of good-paying jobs and drives economic growth for our communities. By attracting innovative companies like Stardust Power, Oklahoma is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of America’s energy future."
"Stardust Power’s investment places Muskogee at the forefront of the energy revolution," said Mayor Cale. "Sustainable energy is key to the future, and this refinery strengthens America’s supply chain, creates hundreds of jobs, and highlights our community’s dedication to innovation and progress." Stardust Power’s lithium refinery is expected to create hundreds of jobs across engineering, manufacturing and operations, and with the addition of construction and services roles, could potentially add hundreds more, which will significantly contribute to local economic growth.
The project will be developed in two phases, with the first phase focused on constructing a production line capable of producing up to 25,000 metric tons per annum. The second phase will add a second production line, bringing the total capacity to 50,000 metric tons per annum. Sustainability is a core principle at Stardust Power, and this refinery reflects the commitment to responsible corporate practices, climate action, and the energy transition.
About Stardust Power Inc.
Stardust Power is a developer of battery-grade lithium products designed to bolster America’s energy leadership by building resilient supply chains. Stardust Power is developing a strategically central lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma with the anticipated capacity of producing up to 50,000 metric tons per annum of battery-grade lithium. The Company is committed to sustainability at each point in the process. Stardust Power trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “SDST.”
For more information, visit www.stardust-power.com
Stardust Power Contacts
For Investors:
Johanna Gonzalez
investor.relations@stardust-power.com
For Media:
Michael Thompson
media@stardust-power.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “forecasted,” “projected,” “potential,” “seem,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or otherwise indicate statements that are not of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements and factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the ability of Stardust Power to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain key relationships and retain its management and key employees; obtaining the necessary permits and governmental approvals to develop the site; risks related to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Stardust Power; risks related to the price of Stardust Power’s securities, including volatility resulting from changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Stardust Power plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting Stardust Power’s business and changes in the combined capital structure; and risks related to the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations and identify and realize additional opportunities. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.
Stockholders and prospective investors should carefully consider the foregoing factors, and the other risks and uncertainties described in documents filed by Stardust Power from time to time with the SEC.
Stockholders and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which only speak as of the date made, are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks, assumptions and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Stardust Power. Stardust Power expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the expectations of Stardust Power with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cbd25af0-7bce-4e7e-9dd6-f58ae5246a77
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/67c852e4-c058-4271-a151-aa8c045f2ee2
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d18d5314-b1ca-4ecf-99ad-c514964d859b
FAQ
What is the expected production capacity of Stardust Power's (SDST) new lithium refinery in Oklahoma?
When did Stardust Power (SDST) break ground on its Oklahoma lithium refinery?
How many jobs will Stardust Power's (SDST) new lithium refinery create in Muskogee?
What is the size of Stardust Power's (SDST) new facility in Muskogee, Oklahoma?
When did Stardust Power (SDST) acquire the Muskogee site for its lithium refinery?
