press release

Officials celebrate groundbreaking for lithium refinery

Rhett Morgan
Jan 24, 2025

Stardust Power plans to invest $1.2 billion into Muskogee facility, adding ‘hundreds of jobs’

MUSKOGEE Officials broke ground Wednesday on what will be one of the largest lithium refineries in North America.

Publicly traded Stardust Power is investing an estimated $1.2 billion into the facility, which is expected to create hundreds of jobs and will be built on a 66-acre site at Southside Industrial Park.

“We are here to revamp America’s defense industrial base, revamp American economics and move toward critical material production, which is a national security priority for the United States,” said Roshan Pujari, Stardust’s founder and CEO. “To do it here in Oklahoma and to do it, especially, here in Muskogee is really meaningful.”

In January 2024, Stardust Power chose to build in Muskogee, citing the state’s central location and excellent access to multi-modal logistics. 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.

Lithium is a key component in rechargeable batteries for clean energy technologies. The United States imports almost all its lithium, and the supply chain is vulnerable to disruptions.

This is a big win, yes, for Muskogee,” Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell said. “This is a big win for Oklahoma. This is a big win for our country. Lithium is a critical material that is essential for the economic and national security for the United States of America.”

Pinnell thanked several partners, including the Tulsa Regional Chamber, which initiated talks that brought Stardust to Muskogee.

“Yes, we have a traditional oil and gas legacy,” Pinnell said. “Everybody here knows that. But we’re a new energy state, as well…We have momentum today that we really have never had before.”

Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, was among the partners who attended Wednesday’s celebration.

“The Tulsa Regional Chamber is thrilled to welcome Stardust Power to this region and the state of Oklahoma,” Neal said. “Stardust’s $1.2 billion investment and innovative vision will translate into jobs that will transform the lives of residents and the area’s economy. The Tulsa’s Future regional economic development partnership is committed to attracting projects such as this to our region. Our economic development team was honored to work with the City of Muskogee and Port Muskogee on this project, on which (Port Muskogee Director) Kimbra Scott and her team have done an exceptional job.”

A Stardust official declined to say Wednesday when the refinery is scheduled to be operational. But once running, it will be capable of producing up to 50,000 metric tons of battery grade lithium per year.

The city and county of Muskogee last year established a $27 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district to support the project. The TIF is expected to fund key infrastructure improvements in the area, including updates to industrial roads, rail line rehabilitation and the replacement of a trestle bridge.

Stardust Power’s investment is a game-changer for our local economy and workforce,” Muskogee Mayor Patrick Cale said. “This facility will create hundreds of high-quality jobs, providing new opportunities for residents in helping us retain top talent in Muskogee.

“The ripple effect will be felt across the community, from our schools to our small businesses as families and individuals benefit from these careers. It’s not just about jobs. It’s about building futures and strengthening Muskogee’s economy for generations to come.”

Stay Up-To-Date On
What’s Happening In Tulsa