KELLYTON, Ala. – Westwater Resources, a graphite mining and processing company, has recently announced plans to partner with South Korean electric vehicle battery manufacturer SK On to supply the graphite material for its batteries.
The $202 million plant, once it is completed, will be located in the Lake Martin Regional Industrial Park in Kellyton and operated by Alabama Graphite Products.
The electric vehicle batteries that will be made by SK On are used by major automotive companies such as Ford, Hyundai, and Volkswagen.
The project, which was announced last year, is expected to create over 100 jobs in the region.
According to Westwater Resources, the plant will process raw graphite into about 7,500 metric tons of refined, battery-grade graphite each year. This graphite will be used to power electric vehicles, electronics, and other products.
The partnership between Westwater Resources and SK On is a major step forward in the graphite industry, as there are currently no producers of natural-grade graphite in the U.S. for these products.
The agreement with SK On will not only provide a much-needed supply of graphite for electric vehicle batteries, but it will also create new job opportunities for the people of Coosa County.
The new plant is expected to boost the local economy and provide job opportunities for skilled workers in the region. The expansion of the graphite industry will also have a positive impact on the growing electric vehicle market, as it will help meet the increasing demand for these eco-friendly vehicles.
