The Knott County Fiscal Court meeting on February 20, 2024, focused on the controversial Kentucky Lithium project, raising significant concerns about its feasibility and the background of its leadership. A memorandum submitted by a concerned resident highlighted troubling aspects of Kentucky Lithium LLC, a subsidiary of Reelement Technologies, which is in turn owned by American Resources Corporation.

The memorandum pointed out that the leadership, including CEO Mark Jensen and President Thomas Sade, lacks experience in mining and commodities, despite their backgrounds in finance. This raises questions about their capability to manage a lithium refining operation. The document referenced past legal issues involving Jensen and Sade, including a multimillion-dollar verdict against Quest Energy, another subsidiary, for misrepresentation and failure to repay investors.

Concerns were also raised about the operational status of Kentucky Lithium's facilities. The Noblesville, Indiana site, touted for its environmental sustainability, appeared to be merely an office space without the necessary infrastructure for bulk material processing. Additionally, there were no updates on the Marion, Indiana facility, which was expected to begin production in early 2024.

The memorandum further criticized the project's logistics, noting that the proposed facility would primarily process materials shipped from overseas, which contradicts the goal of local production. The report emphasized that the demand for third-party lithium processors is declining, with existing facilities in Tennessee and Africa posing competition.

The meeting underscored the need for caution regarding the Kentucky Lithium project, as the fiscal court considers the implications of moving forward with a venture that may not be viable or beneficial for the community. The discussions reflect a broader concern about the economic and environmental impacts of such projects in Eastern Kentucky.