Tesla North America says its newly launched lithium refinery marks a major step toward energy independence for the continent, expanding regional access to critical battery minerals while supporting job creation, emissions reduction and electric vehicle growth.
In a statement accompanying the project, Tesla said the facility is the first spodumene-to-lithium-hydroxide refinery in North America, introducing a cleaner and more sustainable approach to lithium processing.
Jason Bevan, site manager of Tesla’s Gulf Coast lithium refinery located near Corpus Christi, Texas, said the plant deploys “a new technology platform that is inherently much more environmentally friendly and cleaner.”
“This refinery is the first spodumene-to-lithium-hydroxide refinery in North America,” Bevan said. “It’s a sulfur-free process, it’s a less expensive process.”
Bevan explained that spodumene, a hard-rock material rich in lithium, is sustainably sourced and processed on-site through conveyor systems, a kiln and cooler, followed by alkaline leaching, purification and crystallisation to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide.
“Our process is more sustainable than traditional methods and eliminates hazardous byproducts,” he said, noting that the refinery instead produces a co-product known as ansilite, which can be used in concrete mixes.
Tesla also highlighted the speed of the project’s execution, noting that construction began in 2023, rock processing started in 2024, and the fully integrated plant became operational in 2025 a timeline the company described as the fastest time-to-market for a first-of-its-kind technology.
“By removing many of the traditional stage-gate hurdles seen in large projects, we were able to complete feasibility, design and construction in parallel,” Bevan said, adding that the approach significantly accelerated delivery.
Tesla said the refinery will play a critical role in securing minerals needed for energy storage, battery manufacturing and electric vehicle expansion, while reducing emissions linked to long-distance mineral transportation.
“This really allows us to usher in energy independence for North America,” Bevan said, adding that regionalised supply chains will help cut emissions, create jobs and accelerate Tesla’s clean-energy mission.
TRIUMPH OJO
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