ANNISTON– Titan Mining Corporation and the U.S. Army have outlined terms for a proposed Anniston graphite plant at Anniston Army Depot. The agreement moves the project forward. However, the parties have not signed a final lease or announced a construction decision.

Titan Mining Corporation announced the term sheet Wednesday, October 7. Its subsidiary, Empire State Mines, LLC, and the Army agreed on the main commercial terms for a proposed lease. The company also proposes to use approximately 97 acres of underutilized depot property.

Under the framework, Empire State Mines would finance, build, own, and operate the graphite processing facility. First, the plant would produce purified micronized graphite. Later, Titan plans to add coated spherical purified graphite after customer qualification. Both products could serve defense, manufacturing, and energy markets.

The proposed lease would run for 50 years, with two possible 25-year renewals requiring agreement by both parties. The Army would retain ownership of the land. Also, the Army would have a limited first opportunity to buy certain uncommitted graphite output. That right would cover at most 10% of annual production and remain subject to federal procurement rules.

The arrangement calls for fair-market base rent and possible additional rent after commercial operations begin. In addition, Titan said the Army favors qualifying infrastructure improvements as a form of payment.

What Still Has to Happen

A final enhanced-use lease requires further work on development and energy plans, environmental matters, property valuation, and financing. Titan’s board must approve the project. Army and congressional processes also remain ahead. Moreover, the U.S. Army has said construction cannot begin before required environmental reviews and permits are complete.

The Army conditionally selected Empire State Mines for graphite projects at Anniston and Arkansas’ Pine Bluff Arsenal in June. Now, the October term sheet advances the Anniston proposal beyond that earlier selection. Meanwhile, Titan said it continues separate diligence at Pine Bluff and Fort Drum in New York.

For Calhoun County, several practical questions remain unanswered. The announcement also provides no Anniston-specific estimate of jobs, private investment, plant capacity, or a construction start date. Nor has Titan announced a final lease or committed financing for the site.

Titan chief executive Rita Adiani called the framework a milestone in the company’s effort to develop a U.S. graphite supply chain. Army official Jeff Waksman also described domestic critical-mineral processing as a defense priority.

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