TerraVolta Resources Selected for $225 Million DOE Award to Develop U.S. Lithium Production Facility
TerraVolta Resources, a leading U.S. critical minerals exploration and production company, has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to receive a $225 million award to support the development of a lithium production facility in the Texarkana region, which spans Arkansas and Texas. The award is part of the DOE's efforts, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to boost domestic production of advanced batteries and battery materials.
TerraVolta’s Project Liberty Owl, estimated to cost over $1 billion, aims to create a commercial-scale lithium production and conversion facility that will utilize direct lithium extraction technology. The facility is expected to produce 25,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually, enough to power 500,000 electric vehicles per year.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the significance of the project: “By positioning the U.S. at the forefront of advanced battery manufacturing, we are creating high-paying jobs and strengthening our domestic energy security while supporting the clean energy transition.”
TerraVolta recently completed successful supply well tests, confirming premium lithium resources in the Smackover trend, where the company has accumulated significant land holdings. Construction on the Liberty Owl facility is expected to begin in 2028, with operations starting in 2029. The project is expected to create over 125 permanent jobs and contribute to a reduction of more than 2.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
TerraVolta’s President and CEO, Jamie Liang, welcomed the DOE’s support, stating, “We are thrilled to have the DOE endorse Project Liberty Owl. With this support, we will harness domestic lithium resources to meet the growing demand for EVs, grid-scale batteries, and consumer products.”
John Raymond, Chairman of The Energy & Minerals Group (EMG), added, “Our investment in TerraVolta aligns with EMG's focus on green commodities essential to global carbon reduction initiatives. The DOE’s grant is foundational in developing a real-world solution to the domestic lithium supply chain gap.”
