Partnership Between Victoria County Navigation District and Zinc Resources, LLC

18 Mar 2022


News

The Victoria County Navigation District and Zinc Resources, LLC unanimously approved an agreement for a 25-acre lease on the new rail loop at the Port 's Victoria North Industrial Site. 

The Victoria County Navigation District and Zinc Resources, LLC unanimously approved an agreement for a 25-acre lease on the new rail loop at the Port's Victoria North Industrial Site. The initial lease term is 10-years with extension options of up to 50-years in total. Zinc Resources, LLC will invest approximately $60 million at the site to create a state-of-the-art Waelz Kiln facility to safely recycle Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) dust, which is considered hazardous, into two value-added products.

The project will create approximately 60 new full-time jobs in the area with a total payroll of around $2.5 million and provide the Port with a business partner dedicated to mutual success. This collaboration is already being seen as the parties work together to enhance the electrical and natural gas infrastructure at the Victoria North Industrial Site, which will benefit both the Port and the Zinc Resources, LLC facility.

The leadership team at Zinc Resources, LLC has over 100 years of combined industry experience and is committed to responsible recycling and exceeding industry operational standards. The company has obtained all applicable permits and aims to have the facility up and running at the beginning of 2022. Ron Crittendon, CEO of Zinc Resources, LLC, is excited to get the facility up and running, stating, "The Port's access to rail created the perfect site for us to have a successful operation. We are pleased to announce we broke ground at the facility earlier this week and have hired our first employee from the region, Clint Cox, as Plant Manager."

This lease highlights the importance of recent innovations and strategic planning the Port has engaged in. It is also a promising indication that the new construction of the rail loop and ladder track, funded by an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant, provides the Port with a competitive advantage in attracting new industry to the region.

Robby Burdge, Chairman for the Port of Victoria, was pleased with the signing of the lease, stating, "We are excited to welcome Zinc Resources, LLC to Victoria. The mission of the Port is to expand economic opportunities and quality of life for our citizens through increasing industry and commerce. This lease is a huge win for our community and an encouraging sign that we are meeting our operational goals."

The Victoria Economic Development Corporation (VEDC) provided site selection and recruitment assistance as the Port’s partner in economic development efforts. Nancy Garner, VEDC Chairman of the Board of Directors, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “VEDC’s mission to expand the local tax base and create jobs complements the Port’s desire to attract industry to Victoria County. We are pleased to celebrate this success.”