JOAQUIN, Texas — A new era of industry is beginning in Shelby County as Select Water Solutions and Mariana Minerals broke ground this week on a lithium extraction facility in Joaquin.

The project, the first of its kind in Texas, aims to turn produced water from oil and gas operations into a valuable source of lithium — a key mineral used in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems.

Company officials say the facility, located at 659 County Road 3590, will help position Joaquin as a leader in America’s growing critical minerals sector. By using existing water systems and disposal wells, the project will repurpose infrastructure already in place, keeping environmental impact and traffic to a minimum.

Jobs and local benefits

The project is expected to create more than 200 cons

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