A multi-million dollar facility dedicated to lithium-ion battery recycling is set to be constructed in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Chosen by Washington, D.C.-based Blue Whale Materials, this facility is the first of its kind in the United States. Bartlesville was selected due to its central location and proximity to manufacturing facilities that utilize lithium-ion batteries.
The project is estimated to cost $45 million and will initially employ 50 workers, with the potential to create up to 90 high-paying jobs in the future. The employees will be responsible for collecting and sorting used lithium-ion batteries from various devices such as cell phones, tablets, and electric vehicles. These batteries will then undergo a process called upcycling, where the old batteries are transformed into a product of higher quality or value.
Blue Whale Materials specializes in transforming used batteries and production waste into Blacksand™, a concentrated blend of mixed-metal oxides that contains essential minerals like cobalt, nickel, and lithium. These materials can be repurposed for the production of new lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, the company’s process results in the recovery of copper, aluminum, and plastic sources.
In return for their investment, Blue Whale Materials will receive financial incentives from the Bartlesville Development Authority (BDA) and the city of Bartlesville. The BDA will invest up to $1 million in facility improvements on their property and provide up to $750,000 in rent credits over the first 25 months for the initial 50 full-time equivalent jobs. The incentives will be distributed through the city’s Economic Development Fund. If the company exceeds expectations in its growth, it may be eligible for an additional $600,000 in rent incentives until January 2026.
Blue Whale Materials will be leasing a 50,000-square-foot warehouse from the BDA for a period of 10 years. They will also lease a 100,000-square-foot space from the former Keeco facility, as well as a seven-acre tract for the construction of a covered storage pad.
The facility is expected to begin operations in late 2024. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt expressed his support for the project, stating that it aligns with the state’s focus on energy development. Leigh Anne Strahler, President and CEO of PSO, also expressed gratitude and excitement for the facility, highlighting Oklahoma’s status as a hub for energy innovation.
Overall, this lithium-ion battery recycling facility will not only contribute to the economic growth of Bartlesville but also promote sustainable practices within the battery industry.
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