Conceptual renderings of Westwin Elements’ planned commercial refinery in Natchez, Mississippi.
- High-purity Class 1 nickel is used in national defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, specialty alloys, energy and other industrial applications.
Westwin Elements announced Monday that the company plans to invest $502 million over five years to establish a commercial-scale Class 1 nickel refinery at the Belwood Industrial Site in Natchez.
KaLeigh Long, founder and CEO of Westwin Elements, said the investment marks a significant step toward building America’s domestic critical mineral refining capacity.
“Westwin was founded with the mission of delivering a win for the West and restoring the blue-collar American dream by bringing a critical industry back home,” said Long. “The Natchez site gives us the capacity to produce American-made Class 1 nickel at scale, strengthening a critical domestic supply our country needs while creating high-paying careers.”
High-purity Class 1 nickel is used in national defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, specialty alloys, energy and other industrial applications.
The announced project is expected to create 134 full-time jobs in its first phase of commercial operations, at an average annual salary of approximately $84,000. Westwin also said it plans to provide paid benefits for employees and their dependents.
Westwin noted that it has completed a Bankable Feasibility Study for the Natchez site and secured a long-term lease for the Belwood site.
The first phase of the project plans to produce 18,000 tonnes of Class 1 nickel annually, with commissioning targeted for 2029.
Binding feedstock and offtake agreements already in place will support production and revenue projected for the first phase of the project, ensuring the refinery’s early success upon completion of its construction.
The company touted the Belwood site as it offers the infrastructure and logistical advantages needed to support commercial-scale production, including immediate proximity to Natchez’s inland port along the Mississippi River and access to transportation networks serving the region.
Westwin said construction of the Belwood refinery has not yet begun and remains subject to the completion of financing, permitting, engineering and other requirements. The company is working with the state and local partners to advance the project toward the planned commissioning of Phase 1 in 2029.
