From staff reports Lithium battery developer Stardust Power Inc. announced acquisition of a 66-acre site in Muskogee as it prepares to construct what it described as “one of North America’s largest lithium refineries.”
The Connecticut-based company called it a key acquisition that marks another significant milestone for its operations. The acquisition positioned Stardust Power in position to begin construction. It also obtained a general permit for stormwater discharges from construction activities.
“With the land purchase complete and key permitting secured, we are excited to enter the construction phase in Muskogee. This milestone brings us closer to our mission of becoming a leading supplier of American battery-grade lithium,” said Roshan Pujari, founder and chief executive officer of Stardust Power.
The company’s goal is to produce up to 50,000 metric tons annually of battery- grade lithium for sale to manufacturers of electric vehicles, with potential applications in other areas such as the U.S. military and original equipment manufacturers.
Supply is being gathered from multiple sources that include lithium brine assets, produced water from oil and gas producers, and technical or crude grade lithium, the company reports on its website.
“We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from Gov. Kevin Stitt, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Tulsa Chamber, and the City and Port of Muskogee.”
He said hundreds of jobs will be created with the project. In January 2024, Stardust Power selected Muskogee for its lithium refinery, citing the state’s central location and excellent access to multimodal logistics.
In a press release, the company said its site benefits from proximity to the nation’s largest inland waterway system (the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, accessible to 20 states and the Gulf of Mexico); a “robust system” of highways (US-69, US-64, Muskogee Turnpike and Interstate 40) and rail networks (Union Pacific, with links to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe and to the Kansas City Southern railways); and a skilled workforce rooted in the oil and gas sector.
Stardust Power also has access to “sustainably sourced power” in Muskogee, Pujari noted. Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. has a 1,716-megawatt generating station just north of Muskogee on the east bank of the Arkansas River, and a 1,000MW electricity substation has been built at Port Muskogee.
Oklahoma’s leadership in sustainable energy aligns with Stardust Power’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. The shovel-ready site near Port Muskogee offers key construction and operational advantages, with the potential to speed up timelines. “After thorough due diligence, including environmental, technical, cultural, and logistical reviews, the site was confirmed as ideal,” Pujari said. It offers a location with an adjacent 40-acre parcel of land on which the company has a right of first refusal for future expansion.
Earlier this year the City and County of Muskogee established a $27 million tax increment finance district to support the project. The TIF is expected to fund key infrastructure improvements in the area, including upgrades to industrial roads, rail line rehabilitation, and replacement of a trestle bridge, improvements that are important to the successful development of the refinery.
Stardust Power intends to claim back certain related costs from tax increment financing related to the site, which could reduce overall project costs and improve margins.
The permit that opened the door for construction was received from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. Stardust Power has completed its Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), which incorporates best-in-class management practices to control stormwater discharges during construction and is designed to ensure compliance with environmental standards and minimize potential impacts on the surrounding area.
In the coming weeks, Stardust Power plans to submit the remaining necessary permits, marking the final regulatory steps. “This marks a significant milestone for the company and its mission to onshore manufacturing of battery grade lithium for U.S. energy independence,” Pujari said.