Dirt has turned at the 66-acre site of what will be one of the largest lithium refineries in North America.

Stardust Power Inc., an American developer of battery-grade lithium products, officially broke ground this week on its lithium refinery at Southside Industrial Park in Muskogee.

Company Founder and CEO Roshan Pujari said they selected the site they’ve had under control since early 2024 for its central location and access to multi-modal logistics, including the largest inland waterway system in the country. The company also has right of first refusal on an adjacent 40-acre parcel at the park for a future expansion effort.

Major construction, which is anticipated to take about two years to complete, is expected to begin in Q2.

“We’ve been aggressive with our schedule, and so far, the schedule is holding up. We’re really excited about that,” Pujari told The Journal Record Wednesday.

By onshoring mineral manufacturing, Pujari said Stardust Power is helping to sustain America’s energy leadership, and that effort is assisted by state officials. He said with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s support, Oklahoma is set to become one of the leading suppliers of battery-grade lithium in the U.S.

The project will be developed in two phases, with the first phase focused on constructing a production line capable of producing up to 25,000 metric tons per annum. A second phase will add an additional production line, bringing the total capacity to 50,000 metric tons per annum.