Dear Editor:
Richmond Hill has an opportunity to be considered for a project that could strengthen America’s industrial base and enhance our national security. As our country works to reduce its reliance on foreign adversaries for critical minerals, communities like ours should be part of that conversation.
Today, the United States depends heavily on imported, foreign-processed nickel that is used in aerospace, defense systems, the automotive industry, and the stainless-steel industry. China dominates much of the global market for processed nickel. That concentration creates a real vulnerability where China can impact our military readiness and economy. Bringing the processing of critical minerals back to America is prudent.
Westwin Elements is one company evaluating potential locations for a domestic high-purity nickel processing facility.
The company currently operates a demonstration plant in Oklahoma, where it has a strong safety record with no reportable injuries, accidents, or lost time. Its mission is to create a reliable domestic supply of high-purity nickel that supports U.S. industry and national defense.
Because the material required for this process is not readily available within the United States, access to a port is an important consideration. Richmond Hill’s proximity to a major port makes our community a compelling option among others under review. Our region’s industrial footprint and impeccable workforce also position us well for Westwin’s consideration.
The safety of our community matters to our residents. The processing method used by Westwin, called the Mond Process, uses a closed-loop system, with sealed piping and fully contained operations inside a facility. Independent environment engineers, contracted by the Development Authority of Bryan County, reviewed the process, including safety protocols, and reported positive findings on all fronts. The process does not produce solid or liquid waste, and similar operations have existed safely for decades at facilities in Canada and Wales.
The Wales facility even has homes and a school adjacent to their location.
Over the next ten years, Westwin’s operations in Richmond Hill (Belfast Commerce Park) would generate an expected $965,000,000 in capital investment, create approximately 800 direct jobs, and immediately deliver an annual average wage of $94,000, nearly double the current local average of $48,000.
There has been some pushback from a couple of elected officials. Their rhetoric was based on hearsay and false information, and not on verifiable facts. Healthy debate is part of any major decision, but it should be grounded in facts and not speculation.
In closing, I am a resident of Bryan County and have been involved in Economic Development for more than 25 years.
I was one of the founders of the current Development Authority of Bryan County, and last year I returned as CEO for a few months to fill a staff vacancy. In my 25 years of economic development, I have never seen a prospective business come to Bryan County with all of the benefits for employees (training, high starting salary, and paid insurance for the employee and dependents), our community (involvement with schools, recreation and civic groups), and for our country (national defense and security). Westwin definitely is a company that is a great fit for not only our city and our county, but ultimately the USA.
Sean Register, Richmond Hill, Georgia.
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