YUMA, AZ (AZFamily)— Efforts are underway to decrease dependence on China for cobalt, an essential element in producing rechargeable batteries, computer chips, and medical equipment.
The country’s initial cobalt processing plant might be headed to Arizona.
Evelution Energy’s A solar-powered cobalt processing plant received approval from Yuma County officials two years back. The firm stated they're progressing as planned toward starting construction by the end of this year. This facility will be constructed in Tacana, roughly 40 miles east of Yuma.
Gil Michel-Garcia, one of the co-founders, stated that this facility will fulfill 40% of America’s requirement for cobalt.
"What we aim to achieve in this facility is to tackle the shortage of cobalt processing and the absence of local supply within the United States by producing it in an environmentally friendly way at a large-scale operation," stated Garcia.
Garcia said they’re trying to disrupt China’s dominance in the cobalt market. It’s estimated that China’s refineries produce 60-90% of the global supply.
With President Trump moving to boost domestic metals production, Evelution Energy believes it’s in the right place at the right time. “We are a project that directly benefits from the tariffs because we are preventing competing Chinese materials,” said Garcia.
An economic impact analysis from Yuma suggests that the suggested facility could generate approximately 1,200 employment opportunities during the construction phase and around 60 long-term positions once operational.
The firm intends to collaborate with Arizona Western College to create a training initiative aimed at recruiting local students and veterans.
"We're specifically concentrating on recruiting veterans since we'll require individuals who possess security clearances," stated Garcia.
Evelton Energy states its dedication to establishing an eco-friendly solar-powered plant. The company intends to utilize water sourced from underground wells and aims to recirculate as much as 70% of this water.
“We’re not dumping anything in the water table that may affect them and we’re not leaving out any materials that could create dust that could contaminate their crops,” said Garcia.
Garcia mentioned that the excess energy generated through their solar panels will be offered at a reduced rate to neighboring farmers.
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