Wildcat Discovery Technologies, a subsidiary of Holyvolt Group, and Energy Exploration Technologies (EnergyX) have agreed to develop a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode active material manufacturing facility in Hooks, Texas, US.
The planned site will be located next to EnergyX’s Project Lonestar lithium plant and close to the Red River Army Depot.
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It is expected to manufacture 15,000 tonnes per annum of LFP cathode material during its initial phase.
The total investment for the plant is expected to exceed $230m, with significant contributions from private sector partners.
The project would be built on a 330-acre parcel at the TexAmericas Centre, an industrial location with rail access and available utility resources.
Under the agreement, Wildcat and EnergyX aim to build manufacturing facilities in the US for LFP cathode material.
This battery component is essential for applications including energy storage systems, electric vehicles, military equipment, drones and various advanced energy technologies.
Federal support from the Department of Energy has not yet been secured, but EnergyX indicated that such funding would accelerate the facility’s construction and commissioning timeline.
Estimates suggest the initiative could directly create around 150 permanent jobs and an additional 800–1,200 construction and indirect positions in the region.
Wildcat CEO Mark Gresser said: “LFP cathode materials are essential to the future of energy storage, defence electrification and affordable electric mobility, yet the United States remains heavily dependent on foreign supply.
“This project is designed to help close that gap by combining Wildcat’s cathode materials technology and high-throughput development platform with EnergyX’s domestic lithium supply strategy and Texas project footprint.”
EnergyX is expected to provide most or all of the lithium carbonate required for the joint venture’s operations, under terms that include a set price floor and ceiling, as well as a discount compared to market rates.
The partnership aims to reduce exposure to fluctuations in lithium prices, an issue faced by many LFP producers.
In addition, EnergyX holds lithium mining rights covering approximately 50,000 acres beneath the planned cathode plant and the neighbouring Lonestar lithium facility.
EnergyX founder and CEO Teague Egan said: “EnergyX is thrilled to build one of the largest American cathode plants in collaboration with Wildcat.
“In addition, EnergyX’s global lithium technology and production platform, which includes the Project Lonestar lithium plant in Texas, this cathode plant is a critical step towards EnergyX’s larger vision of the Battery Mecca.”
Wildcat and EnergyX report existing demonstration-scale production of LFP cathode and lithium carbonate at facilities in San Diego, California, and Hooks, Texas, respectively.
Their product portfolios allow for a range of energy storage and battery technologies including potential future expansions into cobalt and nickel-free cathodes, lithium metal anodes and lithium isotopes for nuclear applications.
