Tesla has announced the opening of its lithium refinery, described by Elon Musk as the largest in America. The facility marks a significant step in the company's efforts to secure battery materials. Both Tesla and Musk shared the news on X on January 14, 2026.
On January 14, 2026, Tesla posted on X about its 'Tesla Lithium Refinery,' signaling the project's launch. Later that evening, Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, followed up with a post stating, 'The largest Lithium refinery in America is now operational.'
This development comes as electric vehicle manufacturers like Tesla seek to control their supply chains for lithium, a critical component in EV batteries. The refinery is expected to process lithium for Tesla's battery production, though specific details on capacity or location were not provided in the announcements.
Musk's post at 22:10 UTC emphasized the scale of the facility, positioning it as a milestone for domestic lithium processing in the United States. Tesla's earlier post at 19:30 UTC simply highlighted the refinery's name, likely serving as an introductory announcement.
No further technical specifications or production timelines were shared in these initial statements, but the operational status underscores Tesla's push toward vertical integration in the energy sector.