Lithium minerals require both extraction and processing for electric vehicle and battery manufacturers. As such, it’s important to bring more processing facilities to the U.S. to secure domestic supply chains. Piedmont Lithium is working on this, and has received all the material permits to construct a lithium hydroxide plant in Tennessee. The facility would more than triple lithium processing capacity in the U.S.
Tennessee Lithium was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2022 to receive a $141.7 million grant to support construction. The project has a goal of supporting the revitalization efforts of downtown Etowah, Tenn., and has begun working with local technical schools to support the development of key training programs and curricula for certain positions that would be needed at the plant. “Tennessee Lithium is uniquely positioned in America’s emerging Battery Belt to supply the domestic market with crucial, made-in-America lithium resources,” said Piedmont Lithium President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Phillips. “Since announcing the selection of the site in McMinn County, Tennessee nearly one year ago, our team has been focused on permitting, engineering, and working with local officials to prepare this project to support the electric vehicle and battery manufacturing supply chain. As demand for lithium hydroxide continues to soar in the U.S., this conversion facility will be key in the domestic effort to reduce reliance on foreign nations for lithium processing.”