Texas Launches its First Commercial Facility for Lithium Extraction from Produced Water
On October 22, 2025, a groundbreaking event was held in Joaquin, Texas, marking the initiation of a transformative project in the energy and mineral sectors. Select Water Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: WTTR) and Mariana Minerals have partnered to establish Texas’s first commercial facility for lithium extraction from produced water. This significant endeavor is positioned within the Haynesville shale region, specifically in Shelby County.
The innovative facility will utilize Select Water Solutions’ advanced water treatment capabilities and current pipeline infrastructure to manage the produced water essential for lithium extraction. As part of the agreement, Select stands to benefit financially through royalty payments based on the operations of this new facility. The celebration was attended by notable figures including Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian and local representatives, underscoring the importance of this project to the local community and economy.
Commissioner Christian highlighted, "This project merges Select’s extensive water infrastructure with Mariana’s refining proficiency to convert waste into valuable lithium, thereby enhancing our energy agenda and ensuring a robust supply chain for critical minerals. East Texas has a long history of being a vital energy hub, supporting our nation’s needs since the World Wars, and this facility represents a promising chapter in that legacy." The extraction facility is designed to produce up to 3,000 metric tons of high-purity lithium salts annually, sourced from oil and gas waste streams.
Select Water Solutions has managed a comprehensive water network for over ten years, making this site particularly advantageous as it can access more than 70,000 barrels per day of water. This setup eliminates the need for new brine wells or additional utilities, thereby streamlining the extraction process. Select’s Chairman and CEO, John Schmitz, emphasized the strategic value of this facility, indicating potential annual cash flow of up to $5 million for the company while optimizing the existing infrastructure’s capabilities.
The project commenced site preparations in July 2025, with construction expected to continue through December 2026, aiming for commercial production in early 2027. Schmitz noted, "Layering lithium extraction onto our established network allows us to derive extra value from our assets, reflecting our long-term growth strategy. We have also analyzed the mineral potential across our national infrastructure, indicating promising future opportunities for profitability within our Water Infrastructure sector."
Mariana Minerals, led by CEO Turner Caldwell, expressed excitement over this pioneering collaboration. Caldwell stated, "Investing in domestic lithium production is critical for re-establishing the U.S. critical minerals sector. For us, this facility illustrates a crucial advancement in our autonomous refining platform and highlights our commitment to leveraging AI and cutting-edge technologies to enhance production efficiency."
This venture aligns with Select's overarching goal of maximizing returns from existing resources — turning oil and gas waste into tangible shareholder value. Moreover, it strategically improves the effectiveness of Select’s current disposal wells, treatment systems, and monitoring networks to further benefits across the board.
Select Water Solutions prides itself on being a leader in sustainable water and chemical solutions for the energy industry. With accompanying assets for water treatment and recycling, the company remains dedicated to environmentally responsible management practices.
Mariana Minerals, as a software-driven minerals company, focuses on supplying critical materials essential for modern technologies, integrating advanced AI and machine learning throughout its operations. This project signifies a vital step towards creating a sustainable supply chain of the critical minerals necessary to fuel the future.
As the energy landscape evolves, the collaboration between Select Water Solutions and Mariana Minerals stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability, promising a brighter future for Texas and the broader energy community.
The innovative facility will utilize Select Water Solutions’ advanced water treatment capabilities and current pipeline infrastructure to manage the produced water essential for lithium extraction. As part of the agreement, Select stands to benefit financially through royalty payments based on the operations of this new facility. The celebration was attended by notable figures including Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian and local representatives, underscoring the importance of this project to the local community and economy.
Commissioner Christian highlighted, "This project merges Select’s extensive water infrastructure with Mariana’s refining proficiency to convert waste into valuable lithium, thereby enhancing our energy agenda and ensuring a robust supply chain for critical minerals. East Texas has a long history of being a vital energy hub, supporting our nation’s needs since the World Wars, and this facility represents a promising chapter in that legacy." The extraction facility is designed to produce up to 3,000 metric tons of high-purity lithium salts annually, sourced from oil and gas waste streams.
Select Water Solutions has managed a comprehensive water network for over ten years, making this site particularly advantageous as it can access more than 70,000 barrels per day of water. This setup eliminates the need for new brine wells or additional utilities, thereby streamlining the extraction process. Select’s Chairman and CEO, John Schmitz, emphasized the strategic value of this facility, indicating potential annual cash flow of up to $5 million for the company while optimizing the existing infrastructure’s capabilities.
The project commenced site preparations in July 2025, with construction expected to continue through December 2026, aiming for commercial production in early 2027. Schmitz noted, "Layering lithium extraction onto our established network allows us to derive extra value from our assets, reflecting our long-term growth strategy. We have also analyzed the mineral potential across our national infrastructure, indicating promising future opportunities for profitability within our Water Infrastructure sector."
Mariana Minerals, led by CEO Turner Caldwell, expressed excitement over this pioneering collaboration. Caldwell stated, "Investing in domestic lithium production is critical for re-establishing the U.S. critical minerals sector. For us, this facility illustrates a crucial advancement in our autonomous refining platform and highlights our commitment to leveraging AI and cutting-edge technologies to enhance production efficiency."
This venture aligns with Select's overarching goal of maximizing returns from existing resources — turning oil and gas waste into tangible shareholder value. Moreover, it strategically improves the effectiveness of Select’s current disposal wells, treatment systems, and monitoring networks to further benefits across the board.
Select Water Solutions prides itself on being a leader in sustainable water and chemical solutions for the energy industry. With accompanying assets for water treatment and recycling, the company remains dedicated to environmentally responsible management practices.
Mariana Minerals, as a software-driven minerals company, focuses on supplying critical materials essential for modern technologies, integrating advanced AI and machine learning throughout its operations. This project signifies a vital step towards creating a sustainable supply chain of the critical minerals necessary to fuel the future.
As the energy landscape evolves, the collaboration between Select Water Solutions and Mariana Minerals stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability, promising a brighter future for Texas and the broader energy community.
Topics Energy）
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