Blue Whale Materials Selects Bartlesville, Oklahoma for its First Commercial-Scale Li-Ion Battery Processing Facility

Blue Whale Materials, a Leader in Sustainable Li-Ion Battery Recycling, Announces Facility in Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is set to become a hub for sustainable energy as Blue Whale Materials, a prominent player in li-ion battery recycling, selects the city for its first commercial-scale battery processing facility. This strategic move demonstrates Blue Whale's dedication to advancing the domestic li-ion battery supply chain and establishing US sources of critical minerals for the green energy transition.

The newly announced commercial facility will be located in Bartlesville's Industrial Park, spanning an impressive 35-acre campus with 150,000 square feet of warehouse space. The facility will cater to comprehensive battery processing, testing, dismantling, and storage. With this expansion, Blue Whale Materials is expected to create over 90 new jobs in Bartlesville, contributing to the local economy and employment opportunities.

"We are thrilled to contribute to the economic vitality of the region while reshaping the battery industry," stated Robert Kang, CEO and Co-Founder of Blue Whale Materials, commenting on the company's strategic decision.

The choice of Bartlesville was driven by several factors, including the state's pro-business environment, commitment to clean energy, and robust infrastructure present in the region. Blue Whale Materials aims to integrate seamlessly into Oklahoma's thriving community and support the state's sustainable growth.

Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma expressed his support for Blue Whale Materials, stating, "I am excited to welcome Blue Whale Materials to Oklahoma, and I applaud their choice of Bartlesville for their innovative battery recycling facility. Blue Whale's investment aligns with our state's commitment to meeting our nation's energy needs. We are ready to partner with them and provide the necessary workforce and talent for their success."

At the Bartlesville facility, Blue Whale Materials will employ its proprietary Blacksand™ technology, designed to process spent li-ion batteries and production scrap into a highly concentrated dry product. This product contains cobalt, nickel, and lithium, as well as copper and aluminum. Blue Whale Materials' innovative process effectively removes organics and impurities, resulting in a high-purity material that simplifies downstream refining steps. Unlike traditional wet processes, the dry Blacksand™ technology streamlines the recycling process and enhances the quality of the recovered materials.

For more information about Blue Whale Materials, please visit www.bluewhalematerials.com.

About Blue Whale Materials

Blue Whale Materials is a leading company in sustainable battery recycling, dedicated to improving the li-ion battery value chain. Through their proprietary technology, the company processes spent li-ion batteries to produce premium, high-concentrated Blacksand™ containing cobalt, nickel, and lithium. The company's inaugural processing facility, located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is scheduled to begin operations in late 2024. Blue Whale Materials also offers comprehensive end-of-life battery testing and grading services through its BW Energy and Innovation battery testing and evaluation lab located in Greenfield, Indiana. For more information, please visit their website at https://bluewhalematerials.com/.

About Ara Partners

Ara Partners is a private equity firm focusing on industrial decarbonization investments. With a presence in Houston, Boston, and Dublin, Ireland, Ara Partners invests in various sectors, including industrial and manufacturing, chemicals and materials, energy efficiency and green fuels, and food and agriculture. The firm's goal is to create companies with a significant impact on decarbonization. As of June 30, 2023, Ara Partners had approximately $4.4 billion of assets under management. For more information about Ara Partners, please visit www.arapartners.com.

In Conclusion

Blue Whale Materials' selection of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, for its first commercial-scale li-ion battery processing facility marks a significant milestone in the sustainable energy sector. With cutting-edge technology and a commitment to domestic supply chains, Blue Whale Materials is poised to contribute to the green energy transition and create job opportunities in Bartlesville. This strategic move highlights the importance of recycling li-ion batteries and the potential for economic growth in clean energy industries.