CADIZ ­ — Western Magnesium Corp.announced it plans to build a commercial plant in Harrison County.

The agreement between Harrison County and Western Magnesium will be the site of the first full scale deployment of its proprietary magnesium extraction technology in the United States.

According to a release, management spent a considerable amount of time vetting other states as well; however, Harrison County proved to be the ideal space for the company’s first plant in the U.S. The 122-acre property is not only adjacent to the future home of a modern mixed fuels power plant, which can provide power to clean magnesium production, it is close to a dolomite supply and an infrastructure of rail and highway that will carry our magnesium finished product to industries across the United States.

“It’s been a lengthy process for management to find the best opportunity for our first commercial plant. This process was made easier by the hard work and support from JobsOhio and the local authorities and the people from Harrison County who have graciously opened their County to our Company,” Executive President and CEO Sam Ataya said.

Nicholas Homrighausen, executive director of the Harrison County Community Improvement Corporation, said the company’s decision to locate its first U.S. operation in the county proves once again that Eastern Ohio can compete on a worldwide scale to attract business.

“Furthermore, not just in the oil and gas sector of the economy but the manufacturing side as well. We remain positive for this opportunity and look forward to working with Western Magnesium towards successful completion of this innovative project that is over a billion dollar investment with potential of over 200 high paying jobs.” he said.

Western Magnesium plans to start with the build out of a 100,000 metric tonne plant, the equivalent of 10percent of the worldás current supply. Each plant will employ up to 200 full time 500 auxiliary positions. This will accelerate economic development for Harrison County and the state of Ohio. With the 122 acres we have the ability to scale production due to the close proximity of the power plant and the extensive feed supply of dolomite available to us.

The Harrison County Board of Commissioners’ said in a joint statement that they are excited about the economic development project and look forward to working closely with the developers to make the opportunity a reality.

“We believe this shows what we have known for some time, Harrison County is a great place with many opportunities,” the statement continued.

“Ohio is on the cutting edge of developing and utilizing high performing advanced materials and Western Magnesium’s decision to locate in Harrison County is yet another example of why Ohio remains a worldwide leader in cutting edge manufacturing. Safe and efficient production of magnesium will no doubt benefit many of Ohio’s industries seeking lighter and more durable metals for aerospace, automotive, and many other applications. We’re honored that Western Magnesium chose to make this important strategic investment in Ohio,” said Dana Saucier, JobsOhio Vice President and Head of Economic Development.

“Today Western Magnesium chose a site in Harrison County to be the eventual home to their state-of-the-art plant to produce 99.8 percent pure magnesium metal with a low-cost and eco-friendly process,” said Ohio Southeast Economic Development President Mike Jacoby. “We thank Western Magnesium Corporation for their decision and we congratulate Harrison County on their economic efforts.”

Western Magnesium plans to break ground on its new plant in the next eighteen months. An official ceremony and unveiling of the site will be announced in the future.