Stardust Power Completes Independent Review of Lithium Refinery Plan in Muskogee
Stardust Power Inc., an American developer of battery-grade lithium carbonate, announced the completion of an independent third-party review of its Front-End Loading 3 (FEL 3) engineering study for its planned lithium carbonate refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Stardust Power engaged Black & Veatch, a global engineering, construction and consulting firm, to conduct a rigorous Independent Engineering (IE) Red Flag Report assessing the company’s plans to construct a 50,000 metric-ton-per-year lithium carbonate facility, beginning with Phase 1 at 25,000 mtpa.
Independent Engineering Findings
The IE Report evaluated Stardust Power’s assumptions across several technical and operational areas:
Site and Infrastructure Conditions
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The Muskogee, Oklahoma site was confirmed as suitable, with access to municipal power, gas, and water.
Construction and Ramp-Up Schedules
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A 24-month construction duration and 12-month ramp-up were deemed achievable.
Procurement and Supply Chain Strategy
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The strategy was determined to be reasonable and consistent with industry practices.
Permitting Status
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Environmental studies and permitting progress were evaluated as reasonable.
Technical and Design Basis
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Technical design, engineering documentation, major process flows, and system assumptions were confirmed as compliant with industry norms, supporting the likelihood that the technology will perform as intended.
Engineering Review Validates Technology and Production Targets
Black & Veatch’s independent review confirmed the project design relies on proven lithium processing systems, with modifications allowing the refinery to handle a wider range of feedstocks while still recovering lithium efficiently. The report found low technology risk, reflecting similarities to established lithium operations worldwide.
The review also confirmed:
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Phase one production of 25,000 metric tons per year is achievable.
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The expected lithium recovery rate is achievable.
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Long-term operating availability and ramp-up assumptions align with industry experience.
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Specifications and design basis are consistent and supportable.
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The project’s procurement strategy is reasonable and industry-aligned.
On the execution side, the IE Report concluded that Stardust Power’s quality assurance, risk management, and contractor vetting processes match established industry standards, adding confidence as the project moves toward construction.
Company Leadership Reacts to Third-Party Validation
“Completing this independent engineering review is a major milestone for Stardust Power’s commitment to deliver battery-grade lithium carbonate to support America’s energy security and industrial resilience,” said Chris Celano, Chief Operating Officer.
“It validates the foundational assumptions underlying the Company’s FEL 3 study and advances our project to the next stage of development. This IE report provides to investors and stakeholders additional third-party validation of the project’s technical bases… confirming that the project’s assumptions are realistic, achievable and adequately benchmarked against industry norms.”
Founder and CEO Roshan Pujari added:
“Black & Veatch’s independent validation reinforces the technical integrity and feasibility of our approach. We continue to de-risk this critical piece of national infrastructure and… are ideally positioned to optimize Stardust Power’s project execution.”
Next Steps for the Muskogee Lithium Refinery
With the FEL 3 study completed and independently validated, Stardust Power continues advancing the Muskogee project toward major construction, maintaining focus on speed to market, operational excellence, and domestic supply chain resilience.