Stardust Power Joins Cornerstone Consortium Aligned with U.S. Department of Defense
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 24 2026
0mins
Should l Buy SDST?
Stardust Power has joined the Cornerstone Consortium, a U.S. Department of Defense aligned collaborative framework focused on strengthening the domestic industrial base and securing critical supply chains. The Cornerstone Consortium brings together a broad range of domestically held organizations, including the U.S. Department of Defense, traditional and non-traditional defense contractors, small businesses, private equity firms, academic institutions, and federally funded research and development centers. The consortium supports collaboration across 18 industrial base sectors, including critical minerals & materials, to address capability gaps, supply chain vulnerabilities, and manufacturing resiliency essential to U.S. economic and national security. Stardust Power's participation aligns with Cornerstone's focus on accelerating the research, development, qualification, and integration of critical manufacturing capabilities into U.S. supply chains. As a developer of domestic lithium refining capacity, the Company believes its involvement supports national efforts to reduce reliance on foreign-sourced critical minerals and strengthen the U.S. industrial ecosystem underpinning energy storage, electrification, and defense-adjacent technologies. "Joining the Cornerstone Consortium reinforces our commitment to advancing secure, U.S.-based lithium supply chains that are critical to both economic competitiveness and national security," said Roshan Pujari, Chief Executive Officer of Stardust Power. "As we advance our Muskogee refinery toward construction and commissioning, participation in Cornerstone allows us to engage alongside government, industry, and research partners focused on strengthening America's critical minerals and manufacturing base."
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Analyst Views on SDST
Wall Street analysts forecast SDST stock price to rise
2 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 2.170
Low
9.00
Averages
9.00
High
9.00
Current: 2.170
Low
9.00
Averages
9.00
High
9.00
About SDST
Stardust Power Inc. is a developer of battery-grade lithium products. The Company is developing a strategically central lithium processing facility in Muskogee, Oklahoma with a capacity to produce up to 50,000 metric tons per annum of battery-grade lithium. The Company is in the process of creating capacity to manufacture battery-grade lithium products, primarily for the electric vehicle (EV) market, by developing a large-scale lithium refinery in the United States. It seeks to sell its products to electric vehicle manufacturers as the primary market, with applications in other areas, such as battery manufacturers, the United States military, and original equipment manufacturers. It sources supply from multiple sources, which include lithium brine assets, produced water from oil and gas producers, and technical or crude grade lithium. It uses sustainable sources of power, which are accessible in Oklahoma, including solar and wind power.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Stardust Power's Financial Progress and Strategy
- Financial Overview: As of December 31, 2025, Stardust Power reported $3.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, a significant increase from $913,000 in 2024; however, the company remains pre-revenue and relies on additional capital to meet working capital and capital expenditure needs.
- Improved Net Loss: The net loss for 2025 was $15.7 million, down from $23.8 million the previous year, yet the accumulated deficit has reached $80 million, indicating ongoing financial challenges for the company.
- Project Progress and Permits: Stardust Power has received its air quality construction permit from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, marking a critical milestone for the Muskogee lithium refinery project, which is expected to advance into the construction phase.
- Strategic Financing Plans: The company is pursuing multiple funding options, including project-level financing and strategic equity, to support the construction of the lithium refinery, ensuring flexibility in future capital needs while minimizing equity dilution risks.
See More
Stardust Power Reports FY Net Loss of $2.13 per Share
- Financial Performance: Stardust Power reported a fiscal year net loss of $2.13 per share, indicating significant challenges in profitability that could impact investor confidence and future financing capabilities.
- Cash Position: The company had approximately $3.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, reflecting tight liquidity that may limit its investment and operational flexibility in future projects.
- Capital Deployment: Stardust Power continues to allocate capital towards engineering, permitting, and development activities for its planned Muskogee lithium refinery, aiming to capitalize on growth opportunities in the lithium market despite its current financial struggles.
- Market Outlook: Despite the losses, Stardust Power is actively advancing its lithium refining project, demonstrating confidence in future market demand; however, ongoing financial losses may pose risks to its long-term development.
See More
Stardust Power Joins Cornerstone Consortium to Strengthen U.S. Lithium Supply Chains
- Strategic Collaboration: Stardust Power Inc. announced its membership in the Cornerstone Consortium, a Department of Defense-led initiative aimed at strengthening the domestic industrial base and securing critical supply chains, highlighting the company's strategic focus on national security and economic competitiveness.
- Enhanced Lithium Refining Capacity: As a developer of domestic lithium refining capabilities, Stardust Power's involvement in the consortium will accelerate the research and integration of critical manufacturing capabilities, expected to reduce reliance on foreign-sourced critical minerals and bolster U.S. autonomy in energy storage and defense technologies.
- Refinery Construction Progress: The company is advancing the construction of its lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma, with a production capacity of up to 50,000 metric tons annually, and participation in Cornerstone allows collaboration with government and industry partners to further enhance U.S. lithium supply chain security.
- Policy Support and Funding Incentives: As U.S. policymakers intensify focus on critical minerals security, the expansion of federal funding and incentives will accelerate domestic processing capacity, and Stardust Power's participation is expected to position the company favorably within this evolving policy landscape.
See More
Stardust Power Secures Air Quality Permit for Major Lithium Refinery in Oklahoma
- Key Permit Secured: Stardust Power has received its air quality construction permit from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, marking the final significant approval needed for one of the largest lithium refineries in the U.S., thereby materially reducing regulatory timeline risks for the project.
- Environmental Commitment: The permit confirms that the refinery's design meets state and federal air quality standards with emissions below major source thresholds, reflecting the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and enhancing its strategic position in the clean energy transition.
- Construction Progress: With the completion of construction permitting, Stardust Power is advancing towards a Final Investment Decision, with major construction expected to commence following project financing, and the refinery is projected to produce up to 50,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually to support the rapidly growing North American energy storage and electric vehicle markets.
- Regional Economic Impact: This project is set to create jobs and support Oklahoma's energy infrastructure, further advancing U.S. lithium supply chain independence, aligning with national energy security strategies.
See More
New to The Street Broadcasts Show #716 Featuring SDST and Others
- Broadcast Timing: New to The Street will air Show #716 tonight at 6:30 PM Eastern Time on Bloomberg Television, enhancing its influence in the business media landscape by showcasing various public companies.
- Company Highlights: The episode will spotlight Stardust Power Inc. (NASDAQ:SDST), BioVie Inc. (NASDAQ:BIVI), and Roadzen Inc. (NASDAQ:RDZN), showcasing innovations in critical minerals, biotechnology, and AI-driven mobility and insurance solutions, aimed at attracting investor interest.
- Celebrity Features: The show will also include special segments with Kelsey Grammer discussing his new book KAREN and Andrew Shaw introducing his nonprofit 250DAYS.ORG, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and recovery, thereby enhancing the program's social impact.
- International Expansion Plans: New to The Street plans to launch its international version in the MENA region on January 24, 2026, further expanding its global reach, while also preparing to launch the Spanish-language platform Nuevo En La Calle, showcasing its diversified media strategy.
See More
Stardust Power Secures $15 Million Convertible Debt Financing for Lithium Refinery
- Financing Agreement Executed: Stardust Power has signed a Securities Purchase Agreement with a single institutional investor for up to $15 million in senior secured convertible debt financing, aimed at supporting early-stage construction activities at its lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
- Flexible Capital Support: The financing includes an initial drawdown of $4 million, designed to provide flexible capital for detailed engineering, infrastructure, and procurement activities, ensuring the project progresses as planned.
- Strategic Construction Timeline: With a 24-month term and an initial repayment moratorium, the financing allows the company to repay in cash or common stock, enhancing financial flexibility during the project construction phase.
- Enhancing Shareholder Value: Stardust Power plans to fund the construction of its 50,000 metric ton per annum refinery through a combination of asset-level equity and debt financing, aimed at minimizing public equity dilution and maximizing shareholder value.
See More
Stardust Power's Financial Progress and Strategy
- Financial Overview: As of December 31, 2025, Stardust Power reported $3.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, a significant increase from $913,000 in 2024; however, the company remains pre-revenue and relies on additional capital to meet working capital and capital expenditure needs.
- Improved Net Loss: The net loss for 2025 was $15.7 million, down from $23.8 million the previous year, yet the accumulated deficit has reached $80 million, indicating ongoing financial challenges for the company.
- Project Progress and Permits: Stardust Power has received its air quality construction permit from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, marking a critical milestone for the Muskogee lithium refinery project, which is expected to advance into the construction phase.
- Strategic Financing Plans: The company is pursuing multiple funding options, including project-level financing and strategic equity, to support the construction of the lithium refinery, ensuring flexibility in future capital needs while minimizing equity dilution risks.
See More
Stardust Power Reports FY Net Loss of $2.13 per Share
- Financial Performance: Stardust Power reported a fiscal year net loss of $2.13 per share, indicating significant challenges in profitability that could impact investor confidence and future financing capabilities.
- Cash Position: The company had approximately $3.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, reflecting tight liquidity that may limit its investment and operational flexibility in future projects.
- Capital Deployment: Stardust Power continues to allocate capital towards engineering, permitting, and development activities for its planned Muskogee lithium refinery, aiming to capitalize on growth opportunities in the lithium market despite its current financial struggles.
- Market Outlook: Despite the losses, Stardust Power is actively advancing its lithium refining project, demonstrating confidence in future market demand; however, ongoing financial losses may pose risks to its long-term development.
See More
Stardust Power Joins Cornerstone Consortium to Strengthen U.S. Lithium Supply Chains
- Strategic Collaboration: Stardust Power Inc. announced its membership in the Cornerstone Consortium, a Department of Defense-led initiative aimed at strengthening the domestic industrial base and securing critical supply chains, highlighting the company's strategic focus on national security and economic competitiveness.
- Enhanced Lithium Refining Capacity: As a developer of domestic lithium refining capabilities, Stardust Power's involvement in the consortium will accelerate the research and integration of critical manufacturing capabilities, expected to reduce reliance on foreign-sourced critical minerals and bolster U.S. autonomy in energy storage and defense technologies.
- Refinery Construction Progress: The company is advancing the construction of its lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma, with a production capacity of up to 50,000 metric tons annually, and participation in Cornerstone allows collaboration with government and industry partners to further enhance U.S. lithium supply chain security.
- Policy Support and Funding Incentives: As U.S. policymakers intensify focus on critical minerals security, the expansion of federal funding and incentives will accelerate domestic processing capacity, and Stardust Power's participation is expected to position the company favorably within this evolving policy landscape.
See More
Stardust Power Secures Air Quality Permit for Major Lithium Refinery in Oklahoma
- Key Permit Secured: Stardust Power has received its air quality construction permit from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, marking the final significant approval needed for one of the largest lithium refineries in the U.S., thereby materially reducing regulatory timeline risks for the project.
- Environmental Commitment: The permit confirms that the refinery's design meets state and federal air quality standards with emissions below major source thresholds, reflecting the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and enhancing its strategic position in the clean energy transition.
- Construction Progress: With the completion of construction permitting, Stardust Power is advancing towards a Final Investment Decision, with major construction expected to commence following project financing, and the refinery is projected to produce up to 50,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually to support the rapidly growing North American energy storage and electric vehicle markets.
- Regional Economic Impact: This project is set to create jobs and support Oklahoma's energy infrastructure, further advancing U.S. lithium supply chain independence, aligning with national energy security strategies.
See More
New to The Street Broadcasts Show #716 Featuring SDST and Others
- Broadcast Timing: New to The Street will air Show #716 tonight at 6:30 PM Eastern Time on Bloomberg Television, enhancing its influence in the business media landscape by showcasing various public companies.
- Company Highlights: The episode will spotlight Stardust Power Inc. (NASDAQ:SDST), BioVie Inc. (NASDAQ:BIVI), and Roadzen Inc. (NASDAQ:RDZN), showcasing innovations in critical minerals, biotechnology, and AI-driven mobility and insurance solutions, aimed at attracting investor interest.
- Celebrity Features: The show will also include special segments with Kelsey Grammer discussing his new book KAREN and Andrew Shaw introducing his nonprofit 250DAYS.ORG, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and recovery, thereby enhancing the program's social impact.
- International Expansion Plans: New to The Street plans to launch its international version in the MENA region on January 24, 2026, further expanding its global reach, while also preparing to launch the Spanish-language platform Nuevo En La Calle, showcasing its diversified media strategy.
See More
Stardust Power Secures $15 Million Convertible Debt Financing for Lithium Refinery
- Financing Agreement Executed: Stardust Power has signed a Securities Purchase Agreement with a single institutional investor for up to $15 million in senior secured convertible debt financing, aimed at supporting early-stage construction activities at its lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
- Flexible Capital Support: The financing includes an initial drawdown of $4 million, designed to provide flexible capital for detailed engineering, infrastructure, and procurement activities, ensuring the project progresses as planned.
- Strategic Construction Timeline: With a 24-month term and an initial repayment moratorium, the financing allows the company to repay in cash or common stock, enhancing financial flexibility during the project construction phase.
- Enhancing Shareholder Value: Stardust Power plans to fund the construction of its 50,000 metric ton per annum refinery through a combination of asset-level equity and debt financing, aimed at minimizing public equity dilution and maximizing shareholder value.
See More
