Volt Resources Ltd (ASX:VRC, OTC:VLTRF) has identified a 33-acre industrial site in the US state of Alabama as a strong contender for the location of its proposed 10,250 tonnes per annum natural graphite anode powder production plant.
After examining and engaging with several potential sites, Volt selected the Alabama site – within the Tuscaloosa County Airport Industrial Park with access to water, sanitation, transport and energy infrastructure – through its subsidiary Volt Energy Materials LLC (VEM).
The site is owned by the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority (TCEDA), which has offered a letter of support for Volt’s purchase.
Letter of support
VEM will include the letter of support in its Bipartisan Infrastructure Law proposal to the US Department of Energy.
Volt Resources says the successful purchase of a site to build its natural graphite anode powder plant will be vital to financing for the greater supply chain proposal, potentially drawing about US$100 million in non-dilutive funding if successful.
Should all factors fall into place for Volt, the company will negotiate an incentive package which may include tax abatement, public infrastructure investment and access to roads with the TCEDA.
Volt intends to feed its graphite anode facility with graphite from its Bunyu Project in Tanzania, which holds a mineral resource estimate of 461 million tonnes at 4.9% total graphitic carbon (TGC) for 22.6 million tonnes of graphite, and a proven reserve of 127 million tonnes at 4.4% TGC.