Lithium mining company, Stardust Power Inc. intends to get assistance from Ohio University researchers in its refining efforts under construction in Muskogee.
The GREENWICH, Conn.-based company announced Monday it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ohio University for a strategic partnership on advanced lithium extraction and refining technologies, including potential applications of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE).
This partnership aims to accelerate scientific and technical research around the production of lithium and refined lithium products from brine sources. Stardust announced last December its acquisition of a refining site in eastern Oklahoma and construction was started in January.
The collaboration also supports a concept paper submitted by Ohio University under the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office FY2025 Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0003514). If selected, the initiative could lead to deeper research into domestic lithium processing innovations, with Stardust Power providing industry input and technical support to Ohio University.
Under the MOU, Stardust Power will contribute raw material samples, technical expertise, and collaborative input on refining processes, including technical data related to the characteristics of lithium chloride relevant to the research. The Company will also support a techno-economic model focused on evaluating the scalability and commercial potential of emerging DLE technologies and lithium recovery pathways. This strategic partnership has the added benefit of potentially securing sources of lithium brine feedstock for Stardust Power’s large central processing plant being developed in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
“We are proud to partner with Ohio University to explore next-generation lithium technologies,” said Roshan Pujari, Founder and CEO of Stardust Power.
“Working alongside Professor Staser and his team will advance new approaches to lithium. This strategic partnership reflects our commitment to innovation and American leadership in the battery materials supply chain.”
Professor John Staser, from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Ohio University, added: “Partnering with an industry leader like Stardust Power provides a unique opportunity to accelerate the development of practical, scalable solutions for lithium production. Our team is excited to contribute research that could support U.S. energy independence and help meet the growing demand for domestic battery materials.”
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to workforce development and educational excellence. Stardust Power strongly believes in the value of education and hands-on training in lithium extraction, refining, and advanced battery technologies, areas where Ohio University has demonstrated strong leadership and academic excellence. By aligning on these goals, the two organizations aim to cultivate the next generation of engineers and scientists essential to securing America’s clean energy future. This strategic collaboration further strengthens Stardust Power’s position as a market leader in lithium refining and supports the broader goal of building a resilient, domestic battery materials supply chain.
Despite the announcement, something happened to cause a major fall in Stardust Power’s pubicly traded shares on Monday. They fell more than 28%.
