Tesla is accelerating its plans for a $365 million lithium refinery in the Corpus Christi area. Originally slated for completion next year with production to begin in 2025, Tesla now aims to commission the assets by the first half of 2024 and ramp up during the second half of that year.
The purpose of this new plant is to produce lithium hydroxide, which will support Tesla’s battery cell production at Gigafactory Texas in Austin. According to Electrek, a company spokesperson stated that they could potentially expand beyond their initial plans for the refinery on the coast. They have identified suitable property for future expansion beyond just two trains and anticipate further economic impact through job creation beyond direct hires.
In total, about 165 full-time employees are expected to be hired along with an additional 250 construction jobs over a two-year period as per original projections. The Gulf Coast Lithium Plant from Tesla will soon become operational ahead of schedule – Connect CRE reports.
