Blue Whale Materials Launches U.S. Black Mass Production Facility
Blue Whale Materials (BWM) has reached a significant milestone with the commissioning of a baseline black mass production facility in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The project, funded by Forte and a $55 million U.S. Department of Energy grant, aims to increase processing capacity to 50,000 tons per year by 2026, bolstering domestic critical mineral production and battery supply chains.
The Bartlesville facility, set to be fully operational in Q1 2026, will handle the entire battery recycling process, from cells to packs. It will produce Blacksand™, a low-impurity, dry, mixed-metal precursor containing crucial elements like cobalt, nickel, and lithium. Initially, the plant can process up to 14,000 tonnes of battery manufacturing scrap annually.
BWM offers comprehensive services at the Bartlesville site, including collection, logistics, sorting, and testing of end-of-life batteries. This full-service approach ensures a streamlined recycling process, contributing to a more sustainable future. The project is expected to create high-quality, sustainable jobs in the community.
With the completion of the baseline facility, BWM is poised to significantly increase its processing volume, strengthen U.S. battery supply chains, and create jobs in Bartlesville. The company's commitment to full-service recycling and production of Blacksand™ underscores its dedication to responsible, efficient, and sustainable battery recycling.
