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Stardust Power said in a statement last week that it has officially begun construction on one of the largest battery-grade lithium refineries in the United States. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred on January 22, 2025, at the Southside Industrial Park in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Company officials said the $1.2 billion facility, set to be developed in two phases, will have a total production capacity of 50,000 metric tons per year of battery-grade lithium. This significant investment addresses the US’s critical shortage of domestic lithium-refining capabilities.
A site rendering of the Stardust Power lithium refinery at Southside Industrial Park in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Image: Stardust Power
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Stardust Power’s choice of Muskogee, Oklahoma, for its refinery leverages several key advantages, according to the company:
- Proximity to the country’s largest inland waterway system
- Service from robust road and rail networks
- Access to a skilled workforce from the oil and gas sector
- Central location near battery manufacturers
- Access to power and water resources
Lithium Supply and Demand
A 2024 study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) showed that even as electric vehicle sales are expected to increase, the United States will likely have more than enough lithium to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles through 2032.
Lithium power-related projects have also appeared elsewhere in the US. Last October, the US Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it had closed a $2.26 billion loan to Lithium Americas Corp. to finance the construction of its Thacker Pass lithium processing facility in Nevada.
The future site of the Stardust Power lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The 66-acre site was acquired in December 2024, as shown in an undated video image. Stardust Power said it offers potential for expansion with an adjacent 40-acre parcel. Image: Stardust Power
Economic Impact and Job Creation
This influx of employment opportunities is set to boost Muskogee’s local economy significantly, officials said in a statement, including the expected jobs in roles such as:
- Construction
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Operations
- Related support services
National Security and Supply Chain Resilience
Roshan Pujari, Founder and CEO of Stardust Power, emphasized the project’s strategic importance. He said, “Our lithium refinery will be crucial for addressing US national security and supply chain risks.” Pujari added, “By onshoring critical mineral manufacturing, we are helping to sustain America’s energy leadership.”
According to the US Department of Energy, lithium is a “critical mineral necessary for rechargeable electric batteries; lithium has been identified as a material essential to the economic or national security of the United States. “
Government Support and Incentives
The construction project has garnered strong support from state and local officials. It is expected to be eligible for up to $257 million in state and federal economic incentives. Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt and Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell have praised the investment for aligning with the state’s energy strategy and potential to create high-paying jobs.
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