Stardust Power Inc. has secured a crucial air quality construction permit from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) for its lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma. This milestone marks the final significant permit needed for construction and commissioning, positioning the company to advance one of the largest planned lithium refineries in the United States. With this permit in hand, the regulatory timeline risk for the Muskogee project has been materially reduced, according to Chris Celano, Chief Operating Officer of Stardust Power.
The air quality construction permit followed a comprehensive ODEQ review covering the facility’s control technologies, monitoring systems, projected emissions, and environmental safeguards. The permit confirms that Stardust Power’s planned refinery qualifies as a minor source under state and federal air regulations, with emissions below the thresholds for major source classification. The refinery’s design employs a closed-loop water system that recycles process water and eliminates wastewater discharge. ODEQ’s approval also validates that the facility will meet all applicable air quality standards and will have robust systems for continuous monitoring. The permit allows for both the construction and commissioning of the facility.
Stardust Power worked closely with ODEQ throughout a detailed technical review, including a public notice period. The air permit supplements prior environmental approvals for the Muskogee refinery, including ODEQ’s determination that no industrial wastewater discharge permit is required, and a General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities, supported by a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Together, these permits reflect Stardust Power’s commitment to environmental stewardship and position the Company to responsibly advance construction in support of U.S. lithium independence.
With construction permitting now complete, Stardust Power is advancing toward Final Investment Decision (FID), with the commencement of major construction expected following the completion of project financing. Once operational, the refinery is expected to produce up to 50,000 metric tons per annum of battery-grade lithium carbonate to support the rapidly growing North American energy storage and electric vehicle markets.
This development underscores the strategic significance of large-scale lithium refining projects in the U.S., which remain rare. The achievement highlights Stardust Power’s commitment to a responsible and environmentally sound process, creating jobs, supporting Oklahoma’s energy infrastructure, and helping to create the domestic lithium supply chains critical to North America’s clean energy transition.
The construction industry, particularly in the realm of sustainable and green building, is closely watching this development. The integration of environmentally sound practices in large-scale infrastructure projects like Stardust Power’s lithium refinery sets a precedent for future construction endeavors. As the demand for battery-grade lithium carbonate grows, driven by the electric vehicle and energy storage markets, the need for sustainable and responsibly sourced materials becomes paramount.
This news also sparks debate within the industry about the balance between rapid infrastructure development and environmental stewardship. As companies like Stardust Power navigate the regulatory landscape and commit to sustainable practices, they are not only advancing their own projects but also shaping the future of construction. The industry must continue to innovate and adopt best practices to ensure that growth is achieved without compromising environmental integrity.
In the broader context, Stardust Power’s achievement serves as a reminder that the construction sector plays a pivotal role in the clean energy transition. By focusing on sustainability and responsible practices, the industry can contribute significantly to reducing carbon footprints and supporting the development of resilient supply chains. The success of projects like Stardust Power’s lithium refinery will likely inspire other companies to follow suit, fostering a more sustainable and environmentally conscious construction landscape.