Westwater Resources, Inc., a U.S.-based mineral resource company, is continuing to push forward with its plans to develop a domestic source of battery-grade graphite—a critical material in the growing electric vehicle and energy storage industries. The company is focused on establishing its battery materials operations in the state of Alabama, where it holds significant graphite resources.
Headquartered in Centennial, Colorado, Westwater Resources has centered its efforts on the Coosa Graphite Project, located in east-central Alabama. This initiative includes both the Coosa Graphite processing facility and the nearby Coosa Graphite Deposits. The region is known to possess a rich supply of natural flake graphite, a material essential for the production of anodes used in lithium-ion batteries.
The company aims to provide a reliable, U.S.-based supply of graphite at a time when global demand for battery materials is rapidly accelerating. Currently, most graphite used in batteries is sourced and processed overseas, particularly in China. Westwater’s project represents a strategic step toward reshoring a portion of the battery supply chain and reducing reliance on foreign imports.
Westwater is developing its Alabama operation in phases. The initial focus is on processing purified graphite for battery applications, with future plans to scale up production based on market demand. The Coosa facility will utilize environmentally conscious processes to refine the raw graphite extracted from the local deposits. According to the company, these processes are designed to meet stringent U.S. environmental standards while ensuring high-purity output for end-use in batteries.
Founded in 1977 by Raymond Larson, the company originally operated under a different focus but has since shifted toward materials essential for the energy transition. With increasing interest in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, the role of domestically sourced battery components has gained heightened attention among U.S. policymakers and manufacturers.
Westwater Resources’ vision aligns with broader national goals to build a resilient and secure supply chain for critical minerals. The company believes its Alabama operations could play a pivotal role in supporting U.S. clean energy objectives while fostering economic development in the region.
The company’s stock recently closed at $0.49, reflecting a modest increase of 0.61%. Investors and analysts continue to monitor Westwater’s progress as it navigates the path from mineral exploration to commercial production in the rapidly evolving battery materials sector.
