Potential redevelopment of Kings Mountain lithium mine
Albemarle could breathe new life into the mothballed Kings Mountain mine, with the company submitting state and federal permit applications to advance the project.
Kings Mountain is one of the few known hard-rock lithium deposits in the US and could play a key role in supporting sustainable energy and defence initiatives.
Before Kings Mountain can be redeveloped, Albemarle must receive approval for a series of permits from various state, city, and federal agencies, covering water, air, noise, and land use considerations.
The permitting process is expected to take up to two years, involving extensive review from regulatory bodies and community stakeholders.
“Completing the submission of our primary state and federal permit applications was a key focus area for the project this year and marks a significant milestone in our journey to redevelop one of the best lithium resources in the world,” Albemarle senior permitting and sustainability manager Erik Carlson said.
“We remain steadfast in our efforts to advance this project through the implementation of industry best practices for responsible mining and meeting the high standards required by governmental agencies.”
If approved, the Kings Mountain mine has the potential to produce up to 420,000 tonnes of lithium-bearing spodumene concentrate annually, a key resource in lithium-ion batteries essential for electric vehicles and defence applications.
The mine’s redevelopment is supported by a potential combined $US250 million ($366.4 million) in grants from the US Defense and Energy Departments.
Albemarle has also launched a comprehensive stakeholder outreach program, engaging the local community through town hall meetings, open houses, and a community advisory panel.
The company initiated a voluntary environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) earlier this year, which aligns with the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance’s standards.
The ESIA aims to minimise environmental and social impacts while enhancing benefits for surrounding communities.
Albemarle plans to release the ESIA findings to the public throughout 2024 and 2025 as it continues its phased approach to mine redevelopment.