NEWS & MEDIA

Albemarle Corporation, a global leader in providing essential elements for mobility, energy, connectivity, and health, announced $150,000 in grants to non-profit organizations supporting Cleveland County residents. The Albemarle Foundation awarded grants to celebrate Kings Mountain's 150th anniversary and invest in its future.

Twenty-one organizations were chosen for their contributions to workforce development and community health, safety and economic vitality.

The Albemarle Foundation awarded grants to celebrate the City of Kings Mountain's 150th anniversary and invest in its future. Twenty-one organizations were awarded grants, prioritizing initiatives that are seeking to advance workforce readiness and community resilience:

In the last issue of The Element for the year, we explore Albemarle's commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. At the proposed Kings Mountain Mine site, Albemarle is developing a wildlife management plan to protect the tricolored bat, a species detected in the project area.

Additionally, Albemarle's sponsorship of the Cleveland County Schools Robotics Program is equipping students with critical 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and creative innovation.

Finally, as you prepare your holiday meals, you may be surprised to find that lithium is an essential component of glass-ceramic cookware. It enhances durability and thermal resistance in items like baking dishes, roasting pans and ramekins.

We invite you to delve into these stories and more in our December issue.

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.