Stardust Power Secures Key Air Permit for Muskogee Lithium Refinery
More than a year after breaking ground in Muskogee, Stardust Power Inc. has cleared a major regulatory hurdle for its planned lithium refinery with approval from state environmental regulators.
The Connecticut-based developer of battery-grade lithium carbonate announced it has received an air quality construction permit from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) — a milestone the company says completes the core permitting required to move forward with construction and commissioning of the facility.
Final Major Permit Clears Regulatory Path
Stardust Power described the air permit as the final significant construction permit needed for the Muskogee project, materially reducing regulatory timeline risk and positioning the refinery to advance once financing is finalized.
Large-scale lithium refining facilities in the United States remain rare, and the company said full permitting underscores the strategic importance of the Muskogee site as demand accelerates for domestic lithium supplies.
“Securing this air permit completes our construction and commissioning permitting process and positions Stardust Power, subject to closure of project financing, to build one of the largest lithium refineries in the U.S.,” said Chris Celano, Chief Operating Officer of Stardust Power.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to a responsible and environmentally sound process, creating jobs, supporting Oklahoma energy infrastructure, and helping to create the domestic lithium supply chains critical to North America’s clean energy transition.”
ODEQ Review Confirms Environmental Controls
The air quality construction permit followed a comprehensive ODEQ technical review covering emissions projections, control technologies, monitoring systems, and environmental safeguards. Regulators determined the refinery qualifies as a minor source under state and federal air regulations, with projected emissions below thresholds that would trigger major-source classification.
According to the company, the refinery design incorporates a closed-loop water system that recycles process water and eliminates wastewater discharge. ODEQ’s approval confirms the facility will meet all applicable air quality standards and maintain continuous monitoring systems throughout operations.
The permitting process also included a public notice period, during which Stardust Power worked closely with ODEQ staff to address technical and environmental considerations.
Permitting Complements Earlier Environmental Approvals
The newly issued air permit builds on earlier approvals for the Muskogee refinery, including:
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An ODEQ determination that no industrial wastewater discharge permit is required
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A General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities
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Approval of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
Together, the permits position Stardust Power to move forward with construction while maintaining environmental compliance and oversight.
Production Capacity and Next Steps
With construction permitting complete, Stardust Power is advancing toward a Final Investment Decision (FID). Major construction is expected to begin following completion of project financing.
Once operational, the Muskogee refinery is designed to produce up to 50,000 metric tons per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate, supporting the rapidly growing North American markets for energy storage systems and electric vehicles.