Westwater Resources, the Colorado firm that plans a major graphite processing plant in Coosa County, has been granted a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, allowing it to begin site grading.
The permit, issued by the State of Alabama, sets terms for controlling disturbances and stormwater runoff.
The plant is expected to begin production of graphite materials used in lithium-ion batteries as early as 2023. In the meantime, the company is arranging for equipment and adding contractors to the construction team.
The Coosa Graphite Project is near Kellyton, with access to the 41,900-acre Coosa graphite deposit.
”This permitting milestone has been met and allows our construction to proceed on time,” said Chris Jones, president and CEO of Westwater. “This is splendid work on the part of the Operations Team in Alabama.”