Expansion Plans Backed by $55 Million DOE Grant

Blue Whale Materials (BWM), a prominent lithium-ion battery recycler, has secured a grant of more than $55 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to expand its Bartlesville, Oklahoma, recycling plant. The funding, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Battery Materials Processing and Manufacturing Program, will allow the facility to process up to 50,000 tons of battery feedstock annually and produce enough valuable materials to power over 100,000 electric vehicles per year. In total, BWM’s $110 million expansion initiative aims to significantly increase the recycling capacity and efficiency at the site.

Creating Jobs and Promoting Local Workforce Development

The expansion is expected to generate significant employment opportunities in the region, including 150 permanent jobs and 180 construction jobs. Approximately $3 million of the grant will be dedicated to workforce development and community outreach, collaborating with local groups such as The Delaware Tribe of Indians, Blue Star Recyclers, and Tri County Tech. This move highlights BWM’s commitment to building a resilient, sustainable workforce while bolstering the local economy.

Innovative Dry Processing Technology for Enhanced Efficiency

BWM’s proprietary Blacksand technology, which plays a key role in the recycling process, distinguishes itself from traditional methods by using a dry approach rather than a wet one. Unlike conventional wet recycling methods, which require shredding batteries in water and long soaking periods, the dry process avoids costly wastewater treatment and results in a lighter, easier-to-transport product. This process recovers up to 98% of cobalt and nickel from lithium-ion batteries and production scrap, reducing contaminants such as aluminum, copper, and fluorine, and creating an optimized material for downstream metal refiners and battery manufacturers.

Oklahoma’s Role in Securing a Domestic Critical Minerals Supply Chain

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt praised the expansion, noting that it aligns with the state’s push for greater self-sufficiency in critical materials production. With growing demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies, securing a reliable domestic supply chain for essential minerals like cobalt, nickel, and lithium is increasingly important. This expansion marks a significant step toward ensuring that the U.S. can meet its clean energy goals while reducing reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals.