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From Corndogs to Cathodes, Find Out What Cleveland County Fairgoers Know About Lithium |
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Learn about Keith Viles, Senior Manager of Geotechnical Governance at the Kings Mountain Site
Keith Viles helps ensure that ground-based structures for the proposed mine are designed, built and monitored to high technical and regulatory standards.
Currently Keith’s team is conducting a geotechnical investigation to understand the site’s soil layers located above the bedrock. The investigation includes collecting samples around the site that are sent to specialized laboratories for testing. Engineers can then use the results to build models of the soil’s strength and to see how water moves through it. Those models can then guide design decisions for the site’s structures such as rock and tailings storage facilities and other earthworks that support safety and stability and enable smart water management.
This work also connects directly to Albemarle’s plan to dry-stack tailings, an approach intended to reduce the mine’s water use and to enhance long-term stability when compared with conventional tailings ponds. Keith emphasizes the importance of being a good neighbor, which includes being considerate of future generations. Though his career has taken him around the globe, Keith has really settled into North Carolina the past 2 years, aided by his strong love of cornbread.
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Lithium in Our Lives:
Pharmaceutical Use
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Albemarle doesn’t just transform critical resources like lithium for energy storage applications; it also provides lithium compounds that are used in medicines.
In the world of medicine, lithium carbonate is notably used to treat certain mood disorders (for example, bipolar disorder), where it helps stabilize mood and reduce extreme swings. To do this safely, the lithium used must meet exacting purity, consistency and regulatory standards. Albemarle supplies this lithium in a form that can be integrated into drug formulation, serving as the “active pharmaceutical ingredient” that provides a therapeutic effect.
Lithium carbonate is considered the gold standard for clinical impact. It has been on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines since 1977 and is approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration.
From powering the future of technology to supporting essential medicines, lithium applications have a broad impact that can improve lives and support a healthier world. |
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Last year we awarded 21 local grants in honor of the City of Kings Mountain's 150th Anniversary. This year, we will continue to highlight a few of these recipients every month to follow the contributions they are making to their communities: |
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Kings Mountain Rotary Foundation |
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The Kings Mountain Rotary Foundation utilized their grant funding for Boy Scout Troop 92 to purchase canoes and supplies. The support enabled the troop to embark on a canoe and camping trip in September, fostering outdoor adventure and earning the troop their canoe merit badges.
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Responsible Mining at Kings Mountain: Tailings Storage |
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Albemarle’s tailings management strategy for the Kings Mountain Mine reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and operational safety. The plan incorporates dry stacking of filtered tailings, a method that significantly reduces water usage and enhances site stability.
According to the mine's project plan, tailings are expected be stored at a repurposed former mica mine, minimizing land disturbance. Albemarle is also exploring secondary uses for tailings, including potential applications such as bathroom tiles or industrial backfill. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to meet the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) standards, ensuring transparency, community engagement and reduced environmental impact.
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Cleveland County Philanthropic Network |
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As a founding member of this new collaboration, we were excited to be a part of the first major initiative in September, ‘Empower Together: An Engagement Workshop’.
“We believe our community is strongest when nonprofits are empowered to work together and share knowledge that benefits all,” said Emily Arey of the Hospice Cleveland County Foundation. |
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Cleveland County Fair |
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We loved seeing so many fairgoers stop by our booth in Goforth Hall! It was a pleasure to connect with the community and share in the excitement of the annual event. Many visitors entered our giveaway for a lithium battery-powered leaf blower, and we’re looking forward to announcing the lucky winner soon. Stay tuned! |
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Mountaineer Days Heritage Festival |
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Enjoy some cornhole at our booth this Saturday at Mountaineer Days at Patriots Park. |
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