SHELBY COUNTY, Texas (KTRE) - Deep East Texas crews broke ground in Joaquin for a new multi-million-dollar lithium plant Tuesday morning.
State representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin), and Joaquin City and Shelby County officials were among the dozens of visitors at Select Water Solutions and Mariana Minerals Lithium Extraction Facility groundbreaking ceremony.
“Innovation is really meeting I think what we have to offer here in East Texas, which is of course our natural resources,” said Ashby.
This is considered the first large-scale development in Joaquin, according to city mayor Jesse Griffith. The facility is expected to generate about $40 million a year. It is predicted to bring in 200 temporary construction jobs and 50 permanent jobs. Permanent jobs will be a mix of engineers, maintenance technicians, and operators.
“This is huge for Joaquin as far as development. Hopefully it brings more business. The morale. It’s had a huge impact,” said Griffith.
The first phase of construction is expected to bring in a $100 million commitment to the region, according to Mariana Minerals CEO, Turner Caldwell. Construction is expected to continue through Dec. 2026 and scheduled to begin operations in Jan. 2027.
Griffith said the company also plans to host ‘in-class’ engagement with students on STEM topics and offer internships.
“We have something here for these kids to do when they graduate. To be able to go through this training, to become engineers or something like that. Something they can stay here in Joaquin and follow their dreams,” he said.