Westwin Elements to invest $502m in Mississippi nickel refinery
Westwin Elements said on Monday it plans to invest $502-million over five years to build a commercial-scale Class 1 nickel refinery in Natchez, Mississippi, as the US seeks to expand domestic processing of critical minerals.
The company plans to produce 18000 tonnes Class 1 nickel annually in the first phase, with commissioning targeted for 2029.
High-purity Class 1 nickel is used in defense, aerospace, specialty alloys, energy and advanced manufacturing.
The Natchez facility will build on Westwin's experience at its 20-tonnes-per-year demonstration plant in Lawton, Oklahoma, the company said.
The refinery will be located near Natchez's inland port on the Mississippi river.
The company said it has completed a bankable feasibility study for the site, secured a long-term lease and signed binding feedstock and offtake agreements for the first phase.
Westwin had previously considered locations in Oklahoma and Georgia.
