Stardust Power Inc. (SDST), a company specializing in the development of battery-grade lithium products, announced on Tuesday its entry into a 90-day exclusivity agreement with KMX Technologies, Inc. (KMX). This period is set to facilitate negotiations concerning the exclusive utilization of KMX's lithium brine concentration technology by Stardust Power.
Upon reaching a definitive agreement, Stardust Power would secure exclusive rights to implement this technology across the United States, Canada, and selected international regions.
Roshan Pujari, CEO of Stardust Power, stated: "Upon the finalization of the documentation, Stardust Power plans to integrate this technology throughout its supply chain, particularly within its Oklahoma refinery once operational, as well as at upstream sites. This strategic move further positions Stardust Power at the forefront of sustainable practices within the U.S. lithium supply chain."
The adoption of this technology may enable Stardust Power to reduce both operating costs and capital expenditures across its operational activities. This initiative aligns with the development of a 50,000 metric tons per annum battery-grade lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma, positioning the company to potentially lower the energy and carbon intensity of its refining processes.
KMX's vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) utilizes hydrophobic membranes to efficiently separate lithium while producing high-quality water as a byproduct. This method is thought to be more cost-effective and less energy-intensive than many other existing technologies.
Notably, the Canadian government has publicly validated KMX's lithium concentration technology, adding credibility to its implementation potential.