Tesla initiated operations at its Corpus Christi (Texas, USA) facility, launching the nation’s first plant for processing lithium-bearing ore into finished battery product. The facility’s construction took under two years, according to the company’s press office. Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously described such production as a “license to print money.”
The plant employs a fundamentally novel method for processing spodumene ore. Instead of the conventional acid roasting, a leaching technique followed by crystallization is utilized. This helps reduce the creation of hazardous byproducts. The final output is “battery-grade” lithium hydroxide.
“It’s like a license to print money,” the company head Elon Musk formerly noted while urging others to follow this path.
A byproduct of the refinement—aluminosilicates in the form of sand and limestone—can be incorporated into construction as a concrete filler. Consequently, the operation aims for zero waste. Foundation pouring for the plant began in 2023, with active work commencing in late 2025. The firm has not specified when processing will achieve full capacity, which is often the most challenging aspect for comparable ventures.
Starting in-house lithium production in the U.S. is a vital move for Tesla to lessen reliance on imported raw materials, a market largely governed by China. Earlier, “Zhukovsky.Life” reported on other strategic realignments in the company’s business approach: starting February 14, Tesla is entirely discontinuing the one-time purchase option for the “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) feature. Henceforth, the system will only be accessible via a monthly subscription costing $99.
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