$49 Million Australian Investment for Sussex and Dinwiddie Counties
Sussex County - Joined by The Honorable Andrew Peacock, Australian Ambassador to the United States, Governor George Allen today officially opened RGC (USA) Mineral Sands, Inc.'s new mining and processing plants in Sussex and Dinwiddie Counties. The new facilities have created 70 jobs and a $49 million investment, with an additional 25 jobs generated through contract mining operations, hauling and supply services. Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina for this investment.
"We are thrilled to have RGC Mineral Sands locating here in Virginia," said Governor Allen. "RGC joins the growing ranks of healthy, diverse companies that are transforming and strengthening Virginia's economic future. RGC maintains a worldwide reputation as an outstanding competitor that adheres to the highest international standards of environmental management. I know that RGC will be a great corporate citizen and neighbor."
RGC Mineral Sands is a member of RGC Limited, an Australian-based company with mining operations worldwide. The facilities will mine ore for its zircon and ilmenite content. The Sussex County plant is located on a 37-acre site north of the Town of Stony Creek and adjacent to a CSX rail line which will be used to transport RGC's product to customers.
"Expanding our operations in Virginia makes good business sense for RGC Mineral Sands because of the proximity to our markets and the available workforce," said Keith Faulkner, chief executive of RGC Mineral Sands.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Sussex County, Dinwiddie County, ABIDCO, the Virginia Employment Commission, and the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy assisted RGC Mineral Sands with its decision.
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