NEWS & MEDIA

In this issue, we highlight the proposed Kings Mountain mine project’s innovative tailings management practices, designed to ensure that what we leave behind is safe and considerate of future generations.

As the autumn leaves begin to fall, we also take a moment to celebrate leaf blowers powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Finally, a month after Hurricane Helene impacted our region, we are proud to support our nonprofit partners in their ongoing relief efforts, which we discuss further in this issue. Through collaboration and the strength of our shared commitment, we’re confident that our resilient community will emerge stronger than ever.

Albemarle has donated $1 million to Cleveland Community College (CCC) to support workforce training programs that will benefit area industries, including the proposed redevelopment of the Kings Mountain Mine. The funds are intended to be used to purchase equipment and supplies and to make facility improvements related to CCC’s Heavy Equipment Operator Program. The money also will support apprenticeship programs Albemarle is developing for electrical and process operations roles. These programs are designed to bolster growth of businesses and strengthen a pipeline of skilled and diverse workers for the region.

Located approximately 35 miles west of Charlotte, NC, redevelopment of the Kings Mountain Mine is expected to provide a valuable domestic source of lithium. Albemarle has started the permitting process to resume open pit mining and expand the mine footprint, which was idled in the early 1990s. Here’s five things to know about the project:

Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage across the Southeast, with western North Carolina being among the most heavily impacted regions. In response to the devastation, Albemarle and the Albemarle Foundation have initiated several relief efforts to assist the communities in Cleveland County and the broader western North Carolina area.

In this month's issue of The Element, we highlight a significant milestone: the successful submission of several state and federal permits, which advances the redevelopment of the Kings Mountain Mine. This marks an important step as the project moves into its multi-year permitting phase.

Additionally, to honor and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the City of Kings Mountain, the Albemarle Foundation is launching a special grant program. 

You'll also find updates on the mine pit dewatering process and a video showcasing our partnership with Cleveland Community College, which highlights our commitment to workforce development. Lastly, we recap the numerous events the Albemarle team has participated in over the past month and share a preview of exciting events on the horizon, including the Cleveland County Fair.

A GRANT PROGRAM TO CELEBRATE OUR CITY

The City of Kings Mountain turned 150 this year. The city gets its name from the historical Revolutionary War battle fought five miles south. This battle has been proclaimed “the turning point of the American Revolution” by Thomas Jefferson. To honor and celebrate the city’s great history and champion its future, The Albemarle Foundation is offering a special grant program. $150,000 in grant funding will be awarded to local nonprofit organizations. Applicants may apply for a grant of up to $10,000.

Albemarle Submits State and Federal Permits for Potential Redevelopment of the Kings Mountain Mine                                                               Project achieves a key milestone in the company’s phased approach to the mine’s redevelopment

This issue of The Element shares a story of a Kings Mountain native who is making good on her commitment to the community through an internship with Albemarle; a sneak peek at how landscape planning and design may be used to maintain visual harmony with the proposed Kings Mountain Mine site; and a preview of coming attractions in August where Albemarle is making a positive impact through local events and partnerships. 

Lastly, just 11 days remain to share your feedback on our draft scoping report of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment we are conducting. Thank you to all that have commented, we truly appreciate your input.

To celebrate National Intern Day, meet Vega, a Kings Mountain native who has been spending part of her Albemarle summer internship with the Kings Mountain community affairs team.

As a part of a transformative agreement in resource management, Albemarle plans to deliver non-ore-bearing material to Martin Marietta's Kings Mountain Quarry, which is adjacent to the proposed Kings Mountain Mine.

Join us this month to delve deeper into Albemarle's strategies for managing environmental and social impacts associated with the proposed Kings Mountain Mine. We encourage you to review our draft scoping report on the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and share your feedback with us. Additionally, this issue features insights from our recent community open house, where we addressed key concerns and topics related to the mine's redevelopment.