Commissioner Wayne Christian Celebrates Lithium Facility Groundbreaking to Revitalize East Texas Economy and Energy Heritage

JOAQUIN, TEXAS – Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian today joined Select Water Solutions and Mariana Minerals to celebrate the groundbreaking of Texas’ first produced water lithium extraction facility in Joaquin, Texas. Located in Shelby County, the facility marks a major milestone for East Texas energy innovation, harnessing the region’s rich natural resources to support America’s growing demand for critical minerals used in energy and technology manufacturing.

Commissioner Christian praised the project as a bridge between Texas’ proud oil and gas legacy and the its energy future:

“East Texas has been an energy lifeline for Texas and the nation since the World Wars, fueling our military victories and sustaining our economy for generations. While oil and gas production here has slowed in recent years, today’s groundbreaking brings new hope. The lithium facility in Joaquin will potentially create up to 50 permanent jobs, generate more than $1 million annually in local tax revenue and inject over $100 million in economic growth to revitalize our rural communities,” said Commissioner Christian.

“Energy production brings real jobs and opportunity to towns across Texas, especially in regions like East Texas that have fought hard to keep younger Texans at home with good careers, strong schools, and access to healthcare and infrastructure.”

Commissioner Christian recently authored an editorial on how new energy production can help revitalize the Haynesville Shale and broader East Texas region. Read it here.