Element 25, a key player in the electric vehicle supply chain, has finalized a binding term sheet with Veolia North America to secure a site for its planned high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) refinery in Louisiana. This milestone agreement marks a significant step forward for Element 25’s ambitious project, expected to create 220 direct jobs in the region.
The selected site, a 35-acre parcel located in Burnside, Ascension Parish, strategically adjoins a Veolia-operated sulphuric acid production facility. Under the terms of the agreement, Element 25 will acquire the land and establish essential utility and service agreements, including a long-term sulphuric acid supply from Veolia.
Justin Brown, Managing Director of Element 25, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s progression, emphasizing the company’s commitment to becoming a leading source of high-quality, vertically integrated, and environmentally sustainable battery materials for the global electric vehicle industry. Brown highlighted the critical importance of securing a project site with necessary services and utilities, including access to sulphuric acid—a key reagent essential for the refinery’s operations.
Furthermore, Element 25 has secured significant financial support for the HPMSM project. General Motors (GM) has pledged $85 million in senior secured debt funding to the Burnside project, solidifying its role as a strategic partner. This investment from GM aligns with the commitment of their second offtake and funding partner, Stellantis N.V., underscoring the collaborative efforts driving innovation and sustainability within the electric vehicle supply chain.
The establishment of the HPMSM refinery represents a pivotal development in Element 25’s expansion strategy, leveraging strategic partnerships and sustainable practices to meet the growing demand for critical battery materials in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market. This venture not only promises economic benefits through job creation but also reinforces Louisiana’s position as a hub for cutting-edge technologies supporting the transition to cleaner and more efficient transportation solutions.