MOUNT VERNON, Texas (KLTV) – Franklin County and Northeast Texas sit on one of the world’s largest lithium deposits.
Lithium, which is in our batteries, electric vehicles, computers and more, has been
targeted
by the Trump administration for expedited production as China holds one of the largest reserves.
In August, a company will break ground on a Mount Vernon facility that will create 120 jobs.
“It’s going to be transformational for our county,” said Mount Vernon Mayor Brad Hyman.
Mount Vernon sits on the Smackover Formation, a large lithium deposit that continues into southwest Arkansas.
Geoframe Energy’s plant will sit on land behind the Duke’s on I-30. They will only produce lithium, not batteries, at the site.
“The spent brine will then be sent back underground in injection wells, about two miles deep, no impact on groundwater resources,” said CEO Bruce Cutright.
Geoframe has acquired the mineral rights to 8,000 acres in the surrounding area. Cutright claimed there won’t be any impact to the environment from the project, as there are no surface emissions from the mining process.
The city’s tax revenue is expected to double from the plant. Hyman said the city of less than 3,000 has been working on upgrading its utilities because of its current growth.
“We are ready for it. We didn’t realize we were going to need to be ready for it,” said Hyman.
The plant is expected to begin production in early 2026.
