Wildcat Discovery Technologies and EnergyX have announced a joint venture to develop a 15,000 metric tonne per year LFP cathode active material manufacturing facility in Hooks, Texas—co-located with EnergyX’s Project Lonestar lithium plant and adjacent to the Red River Army Depot. The project represents more than $230 million in total investment, including private-sector cost share, and the companies are seeking DOE funding to accelerate construction.

Lithium precursors account for an estimated 60–85% of LFP cathode bill of materials, according to IDTechEx, so lithium price volatility may be the dominant cost risk for most LFP producers. EnergyX is expected to supply the majority, potentially all, of the lithium carbonate needed for the joint venture at below-market rates with a negotiated price floor and ceiling. EnergyX also holds approximately 50,000 acres of lithium mining rights co-located with the facility, giving the project access to a domestic resource base rather than relying on imports.

Both companies have demonstrated their respective technologies at pilot scale and have shipped samples to customers in energy storage, mobility and defense markets. Wildcat, a San Diego-based battery materials company recently acquired by Holyvolt Group, will provide the cathode formulation and high-throughput development platform; EnergyX will handle lithium extraction and refining.

The facility will be located at the TexAmericas Center on a 330-acre site that features rail access, utility infrastructure and proximity to defense assets. In Phase 1 of the project, the companies expect to produce 15,000 tonnes per year.

Source: Wildcat Discovery Technologies / EnergyX