Government officials and community stakeholders attended an event hosted by Chemours on October 14 to mark the start of operations at the chemical firm’s new, $93 million Trail Ridge South mineral sand mine in Clay County, FL.

The opening of the 30-acre location enables Chemours to expand its access to high-quality concentrated deposits the production of its Ti-Pure brand of titanium dioxide.

“A reliable supply of quality ilmenite and other minerals is critical to our ability to serve customers. Sourcing those resources from a community we’re already so deeply connected to makes it even better – it’s a win-win,” Mark Smith, vice president of operations, Chemours Titanium Technologies, said in a company release issued Monday. “We’re incredibly proud to call Clay County home and look forward to many years of safe operations and partnership.”

Built over a 13-month period, the Trail Ridge South incorporates modular buildings that were constructed off-site and shipped to the Clay County location for assembly. The facility will use Mobile Mining Units (MMUs) that offer lower emissions and levels of dust and improve safety by eliminating the need for conventional hauling trucks.

98% of water used in manufacturing at the facility will be recycled. The site’s process water and water treatment ponds have 39 million gal of storage capacity.

50 new jobs will be created as a result of the company’s investment. Chemours plans to hire operators, technicians, heavy equipment operators, and mechanics. The company started commissioning the mine in mid-August.