Blue Whale Materials Secures $55 Million DOE Grant to Expand Battery Recycling in Oklahoma

Blue Whale Materials (BWM), a U.S.-based lithium-ion battery recycling company, has been awarded a $55 million grant by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to expand its recycling plant in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The funding aims to bolster domestic critical mineral supply chains and advance sustainable recycling technologies.

The investment will enable BWM to process up to 50,000 tonnes of battery raw materials annually, generating enough critical minerals to supply batteries for over 100,000 electric vehicles per year. The expansion is expected to create 150 permanent jobs and 180 construction roles, with an additional $3 million allocated for workforce development and community outreach in collaboration with local organizations such as The Delaware Tribe of Indians and Tri County Tech.

BWM’s proprietary recycling process boasts a 98% recovery rate for key materials like cobalt and nickel while minimizing contaminants such as aluminum, copper, and fluorine. “This award directly supports Blue Whale’s mission of building a sustainable and resilient domestic supply chain of critical minerals,” said Robert Kang, CEO of BWM. “The expansion in Bartlesville will fuel economic growth, create quality jobs, and reinforce the U.S. as a leader in critical materials production.”

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt emphasized the importance of securing critical mineral supplies, lauding BWM’s decision to grow operations in the state. “Their expansion aligns with our focus on self-sufficiency and will bring quality jobs and significant investment to Oklahoma,” he noted.

The DOE grant underscores a broader federal push to strengthen the domestic battery industry. Recent DOE initiatives include $25 million for battery research, $144 million for recycling projects, and funding for electric micromobility and charging infrastructure.

Blue Whale Materials, supported by an $80 million investment from Ara Partners, has plans to establish at least five additional recycling facilities in the U.S. and Europe, further expanding its reach in the growing battery recycling sector.

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