US-based Stardust Power, a developer of battery-grade lithium, has officially broken ground on a $1.2bn lithium refinery in Oklahoma.

The first phase of the lithium refinery project involves construction of a production line with a capacity of 25,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of battery-grade lithium carbonate. Phase two will add a second production line, bringing the total capacity to 50,000tpa.

“Our lithium refinery will be crucial for addressing US national security and supply chain risks,” commented Roshan Pujari, founder and CEO of Stardust Power.

“Stardust Power is proud to play a key role in safeguarding American interests and supporting Oklahoma’s local economy,” he added.

Stardust’s lithium refinery project is located on a 66-acre site in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The site is located close to battery manufacturers, and benefits from its proximity to the US’ largest inland waterway system and robust road and rail networks, according to the developers.

Construction permits for the project were granted in December 2024. Groundbreaking officially took place yesterday (22 January) and was attended by Stardust Power officials, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, the Mayor of Muskogee, Patrick Cale, and other state and local officials.

Pinnell described Stardust’s decision to break ground on its lithium refinery as “a significant step forward” for Oklahoma's role in reinforcing critical mineral supply chains and bolstering national security.

The project is expected to create hundreds of jobs across engineering, manufacturing and operations. Hundreds more jobs could be created in construction and services, according to Stardust Power.