A multi-million dollar, high tech facility is on its way to the Bartlesville Industrial Park, sealing Bartlesville’s reputation as Oklahoma’s leader in energy-focused business.

Blue Whale Materials, a lithium-ion battery upcycling operation based in Washington, D.C., will build its first state-of-the-art, technologically superior and sustainable center at the Bartlesville Industrial Park thanks to the leadership of the Bartlesville Development Authority (BDA) and Bartlesville City Council.

Initially, it is expected that Blue Whale Materials will have 50 employees with growth potential to 90 high-paying jobs over the next few years. The Bartlesville facility will collect and sort used lithium-ion batteries previously used on everything from cell phones and tablets, to electric vehicle batteries. Those batteries would then be discharged and processed for upcycling.

Blue Whale’s superior processes will then shred and separate vital components of nickel, cobalt and lithium from the battery units to manufacture Blacksand™, a concentrated mixed-metal oxide, that can be refined into new lithium-ion batteries. The process also allows for a steady production of copper, aluminum and plastics — all of which is environmentally responsible as America’s demand for electric vehicles and electronic devices grows at unprecedented rates.

“We are pleased to be able to contribute to the economic vitality of the region as we continue to reshape the battery industry,” stated Robert Kang, CEO and Co-Founder of Blue Whale Materials.

In return for Blue Whale Materials’ investment in Bartlesville, the BDA and city of Bartlesville are providing several incentives to generate this new business. As part of the agreement, the BDA is funding up to $1 million in improvements to the facility, which the BDA owns. Additionally, the BDA is providing up to $750,000 in rent credits over the first 25 months for the 50 full-time equivalent jobs the new facility will initially generate.  The incentive is through the city of Bartlesville’s Economic Development Fund, which will be distributed by the BDA. If Blue Whale Materials grows even faster than projected, they will be eligible for up to $600,000 more in incentives through January 2026.

“Bartlesville’s commitment to high-paying, energy jobs continues,” BDA President David Wood said. “From our beginnings of having the first commercial oil well in Oklahoma, the birth of Phillips Petroleum Company and global offices for Phillips 66, ConocoPhillips, ChevronPhillips, ABB and Schlumberger, Bartlesville’s energy history is strong. Blue Whale Materials is the logical next step for this new world of sustainable energy sources and accelerates Bartlesville to the forefront of energy production for years to come.”

Projections show that North American demand for lithium, cobalt and nickel products will continue to grow by as much as 800% through 2030. By upcycling used product to keep up with the demand, Blue Whale Materials and Bartlesville will continue to be at the forefront of sustainable, environmentally sound technology.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said Blue Whale Materials new Bartlesville facility is an important step for the state as a whole.

“I am thrilled to welcome Blue Whale Materials to Oklahoma, and I applaud their choice of Bartlesville for their innovative battery recycling facility," Stitt said. "Blue Whale’s investment here aligns with our state’s 'more of everything' approach to our nation’s energy needs. I met with their management team during the recruitment process and they believe Oklahoma is the best state to locate their company. We are ready to partner with them to provide the workforce and talent they need to thrive here.”

“Project Isotope” was initiated in early 2023 by AEP/PSO who contacted the BDA.

“Oklahoma is a hub of energy innovation, and we are excited to welcome Blue Whale Materials to Bartlesville. The PSO team appreciates the Bartlesville Development Authority and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for partnering with us and others in the community on this project,” said PSO President and Chief Operating Officer Leigh Anne Strahler.

The company's inaugural processing facility, located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is set to commence operations in late 2024.