$300-million Silicon Smelting Facility Proposed for Usk, Washington

The Washington State Department of Commerce announced that a new $300-million silicon smelting facility proposed for Usk by HiTest Sand Inc. has been designated a Project of Statewide Significance and will receive $300,000 in economic development assistance through the Pend Oreille Economic Development Council.

Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, HiTest estimates about 400 construction jobs and once operational, about 170 permanent, full-time jobs will be created. Paying an average salary well above the community’s prevailing wage, these high-skill jobs will deliver a significant boost to the tri-county region in the northeast corner of the state. Much of the silicon produced from sand at the smelter will be used by in-state solar cell manufacturers, computer chip makers and aluminum product manufacturers.

For more information, read the Washington State Department of Commerce press release.