This is Mary Walden with economist MW welcoming you to the economic perspective.  Today’s program looks at mining in Charlotte.  Mike, in the 19^th century Charlotte was a mining region.  Gold was found there, and the first gold rush in the country was in Charlotte.  Now I understand a new kind of mining is taking off in Charlotte.  What is it?

1. Lithium mining – west of Charlotte
2. Lithium is a key element in the making of batteries, particularly for electric vehicles
3. Expect to see a big demand for lithium
4. Expect a $500 million investment and ultimately 300 jobs
5. Of course, always risks
6. Will battery demand occur, competitors, costs
7. But exciting – full circle for Charlotte region
8. I’m MW

Mary:  And I’m Mary Walden for the Economic Perspective, an NC State Extension program from the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics.