Texas Gov. Abbott Celebrates Opening of Midland Lithium Refining Plant

Element3 Resources facility extracts lithium from oilfield produced water, boosting battery supply chain

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Element3 Resources' new lithium extraction and refining facility in Midland County, Texas. The plant can produce 3,000 tons of lithium annually from oilfield produced water, enough for 197 million iPhone batteries or 55,000 electric vehicles per year. Abbott touted the facility as an example of Texas innovation and a boost to the nation's critical mineral supply chain.

Why it matters

The new lithium refining plant represents a breakthrough in extracting valuable minerals from oilfield waste, reducing reliance on foreign sources of lithium that are critical for batteries, electronics, and national defense. It also highlights Texas' efforts to position itself as a leader in the production of essential elements needed for the clean energy transition.

The details

The Element3 Resources facility can produce 3,000 tons of lithium carbonate annually from the abundant produced water generated by Permian Basin oil and gas operations. This lithium can be used to manufacture batteries for 197 million iPhone 17 Pro Max devices, 55,000 electric vehicles per year, or 20 gigawatts of grid-scale energy storage. The plant utilizes technology developed at national laboratories to extract lithium from the oilfield waste water.

  • On February 6, 2026, Texas Governor Greg Abbott attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Element3 Resources lithium refining facility in Midland County.
  • The Element3 facility began operations in early 2026 after several years of research and development.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and touted the facility as an example of Texas innovation and a boost to the nation's critical mineral supply chain.

Hood Whitson

The Chief Executive Officer of Element3 Resources, the company that developed the new lithium extraction and refining facility in Midland County.

John Olson

A retired Major General and former Chief Technology Officer of the U.S. Space Force, who praised the facility as critical to the nation's economy and security.

Wayne Christian

A Railroad Commissioner in Texas who praised the "pioneering, independent, wildcatting spirit" of the Element3 Resources executives.

Anthony Pugliese

The Chief Commercial Officer at the U.S. Department of Energy, who said it was remarkable for Element3 to achieve the refining facility in such a short amount of time.

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What they’re saying

“Texas is America's undisputed energy leader and now it's the leader in the nation's essential elements. The future of America depends on producing the elements essential to our supply chain for products we use every day. Lithium is one of those elements critical to batteries, advanced manufacturing, and national defense. By the grace of God, we have lithium and other essential rare earth materials right here in our own state.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (mrt.com)

“This lithium will end up in batteries, power data centers and transportation and in electrification. That's why this matters.”

— Hood Whitson, Chief Executive Officer, Element3 Resources (mrt.com)

“This is a crowning example of the future. This is an example of American entrepreneurship, grit, hard work and teamwork.”

— John Olson, Retired Major General, Former Chief Technology Officer, U.S. Space Force (mrt.com)

What’s next

The Element3 Resources facility is expected to ramp up production in the coming months, contributing to the nation's critical lithium supply and supporting the growth of the electric vehicle and energy storage industries.

The takeaway

The new lithium refining plant in Midland, Texas represents a breakthrough in extracting valuable minerals from oilfield waste, reducing reliance on foreign sources of lithium. It highlights Texas' efforts to position itself as a leader in the production of essential elements needed for the clean energy transition and national security.