In June and August, press releases were issued by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and the office of Governor Abigail Spanberger that mentioned something code named Project Franklin.
While the press releases were vague about the location of Project Franklin, it has now been learned that it will be located on the former Moss 3 site near Cleveland.
In June, VCEDA approved a request from the Russell County Industrial Development Authority to extend a $3 million loan closing deadline of June 16, 2027. The loan was initially approved in December 2025 for Project Franklin.
In August, Spanberger said $2.5 million would go to Project Franklin from the Virginia Energy Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program.
Spanberger said the project will convert 88 million tons of legacy coal waste on a reclaimed former mine site in Russell County into a high-value, low-carbon pozzolan product used in green concrete manufacturing.
According to information from the IDA, “Project Franklin is a transformative industrial redevelopment initiative located at the historic Moss 3 site in Cleveland, Virginia. This initiative leverages proven technologies to repurpose abandoned mine waste into a climate-beneficial industrial material while delivering major economic impact to Southwest Virginia.”
The total capital investment for Project Franklin is $115 million and is expected to generate $1 million in annual tax revenue.
The Moss 3 site was selected as it contains the required raw material onsite, has existing rail access, is located within a six-county labor region with a skilled industrial workforce, and presents an ideal model of circular economy redevelopment on abandoned mine land.
In its application for the AMLER funding, the IDA stated the project would be good for the environment.
Citing a study entitled “Virginia Energy Study on Waste Coal Piles” the IDA stated waste coal piles emit methane, which is 25 times more potent than CO2. Removing the waste would result in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the application, Project Franklin is projected to employ 65 individuals in its first year with an average yearly salary of $71,000. Over a period of five years, the number of employees is expected to grow to 95 with an annual salary of $73,000.
“Employees will be drawn from Russell, Dickenson, Buchanan, Wise, Tazewell and Washington counties,” the application states.
Benefits packages are said to include health insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and performance-based bonus.
The IDA’s application states that the project area will be “leased by Subrecipient or Partner” through a “Lease/Purchase Agreement between Russell County IDA and operation entity.”
