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Tesla has inaugurated North America's first lithium refinery in Corpus Christi, Texas, designed to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide from spodumene ore, with a capacity to supply over 500,000 electric vehicles annually. This facility aims to decrease U.S. dependence on Chinese lithium refining, which dominates the market, while employing an innovative process that minimizes waste and generates useful byproducts. The project supports 50 GWh of battery production, contributing to the anticipated 200 GWh demand for battery-grade lithium by 2026.