During a formal announcement on Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey revealed that Westwater Resources Inc. plans to build “a first-of-its-kind” advanced graphite processing plant in Coosa County near Kellyton.
According to a release, the move by Westwater Resources would put Alabama “at the forefront in the production of an essential material in batteries that power electrical vehicles, electronics and other green energy products and equipment.”
Construction will start later this year, with the graphite processing plant operating by the end of 2022.
“This plant not only will make Alabama the U.S. leader in graphite production, the go-to place for this important resource in battery manufacturing, it also will elevate our standing even more as a major player in the fast-growing electric vehicle sector,” Ivey said in a statement. “We’re home to four major auto plants, and the ability to source precious materials in state for the lithium-ion batteries used in electric and hybrid vehicles will be a big plus in attracting other manufacturing jobs to the state.”
The plant is expected to offer at least 100 full-time permanent workers with pay of an average hourly wage of $21.15.
Reportedly, local incentives for the project were estimated at $4.7 million, and they include “tax abatements and use of 80 acres at Lake Martin Industrial Park at no cost.”
A bridge will also be built to provide additional access to the industrial park.
Original story by Jeff Poor, Yellowhammer News
