Albemarle Corp.

The international mining company invited neighbors of the long-dormant mine to learn about the mining process and ask questions about its environmental and social impacts.

Facing a slowdown in the electric vehicle market and slumping lithium prices, Charlotte-based Albemarle Corp. announced plans to slash costs. Albemarle has been working to reopen a lithium mine in Kings Mountain, as well as a new lithium processing plant in Richburg, S.C., and a research center in Charlotte. The processing plant and the Charlotte research center are now on hold.

North Carolina is at the center of the global lithium empire that Charlotte-based Albemarle is building. It wants to lead the development of a U.S. supply chain to satisfy growing demand for lithium for batteries to power everything from electric vehicles to mobile phones and laptops.

North Carolina's revival as a major source of lithium will take another step forward early next year. Albemarle Corp. expects to obtain permits and begin draining water in the next few months from the 168-foot deep lake at the former mine off I-85 in Kings Mountain.

Charlotte-based Albemarle Corp. has agreed to pay $218 million to settle federal allegations that the company bribed government officials in several countries.

Charlotte-based Albemarle Corp. is taking steps to make its planned lithium mine in Kings Mountain climate-friendly. The company announced a deal Wednesday to supply Caterpillar with lithium for electric vehicles. Caterpillar will provide battery-powered mining equipment to Albemarle.

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm visited North Carolina Monday to begin a four-state Southeast tour to promote the Biden administration's climate policies, clean energy investments and new jobs.

Putting more electric vehicles on the roads is a critical strategy in the fight against climate change. And at least for now, that means more cars powered by lithium-ion batteries. With demand for lithium already skyrocketing, the question is: Where will it come from?

Two new factories announced Wednesday in South Carolina will continue the expansion of electric vehicle supply chain businesses in the Carolinas.

The Charlotte City Council voted Monday in favor of amending the city's contract to buy electricity from a planned solar farm in Iredell County and absorb a 25% fee increase. The council also approved an economic development grant for a new lithium research center in northeast Charlotte.