Blue Whale Materials (BWM), a company specializing in advanced lithium-ion battery recycling, has been awarded over $55 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains. The funding, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing Program, will support the expansion of BWM’s facility in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
The $110 million expansion will enable the facility to process up to 50,000 tons of lithium-ion battery feedstock annually, producing enough critical minerals to power more than 100,000 electric vehicles each year. The project is expected to create 150 permanent jobs and 180 construction jobs, bolstering local employment and contributing to the state’s economic growth.
Approximately $3 million of the grant will fund workforce development and community outreach, with expanded partnerships involving The Delaware Tribe of Indians, Blue Star Recyclers, Tri County Tech, and James Emmett and Company.
BWM’s expanded operations will increase processing capacity by 3.5 times, converting end-of-life batteries and production scrap into Blacksand™, a high-purity, mixed-metal precursor superior to conventional black mass. This process recovers up to 98% of cobalt and nickel while reducing contaminants like aluminum, copper, and fluorine, optimizing the product for metal refiners and battery manufacturers.
“We’re thrilled to have the Department of Energy’s support,” said Robert Kang, CEO of BWM. “This award validates our pioneering recycling process and supports our mission to build a sustainable domestic supply chain of critical minerals. The expansion in Bartlesville enhances high-grade black mass production, fueling economic growth and creating quality jobs.”
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt commented, “As the need for critical minerals grows, securing this supply chain is essential. I’m proud Blue Whale calls Oklahoma home. Their growth aligns with our focus on self-sufficiency in critical materials production and will bring quality jobs and investment to Oklahoma.”
As a portfolio company of Ara Partners, BWM aims to establish itself as a leading supplier of critical minerals for electric vehicle manufacturers, battery producers, and energy storage companies. The expansion represents a significant step toward creating sustainable feedstock solutions for spent lithium-ion batteries.
Source: Blue Whale Materials
