Developments in Emery County, Green River and Carbon County are bringing new investment and job opportunities to the region.
The Castle Country Project Area is gaining momentum with three developments that build upon the region’s energy and logistics strengths while creating new opportunities for economic diversification.
Jenna Draper, associate vice president of regional project area development for the Utah Inland Port Authority, highlighted the projects during an update to the UIPA Board on Aug. 3.
Established in 2024, the Castle Country Project Area now encompasses approximately 15,370 acres across Carbon and Emery counties, including areas within Green River and Wellington. The project area is intended to leverage the region’s existing rail, highway and energy infrastructure to attract investment, create high-quality jobs and strengthen the local tax base.
Valar Atomics Advances Nuclear Technology in Emery County
Valar Atomics reached a major milestone in June when its WARD 250 advanced reactor completed a zero-power fueled criticality demonstration at the San Rafael Energy Research Center in Emery County.
The demonstration showed that the reactor can sustain a controlled nuclear chain reaction, a necessary step before it can generate power. WARD 250 became the first U.S. Department of Energy-authorized reactor built outside a national laboratory, according to the Department of Energy.
Valar has also purchased more than 100 acres adjacent to the state-owned research center for its planned expansion. The property is located within the Castle Country Project Area, allowing UIPA and Emery County to coordinate with the company as it expands its operations and advances additional reactor technology.
The development supports Emery County’s goal of building upon its long-standing energy expertise while attracting new research, technology and advanced manufacturing opportunities.
Green River Lithium Project Moves Forward
Anson Resources and South Korea-based POSCO Holdings signed a binding agreement in June to develop a direct lithium extraction demonstration plant at Anson’s Green River Lithium Project.
The facility will use brine from Anson’s Bosydaba No. 1 well to test POSCO’s proprietary extraction technology at a continuous industrial scale. POSCO will lead and fund the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the demonstration plant, which is expected to operate from 2027 through 2028. The companies will also evaluate opportunities for broader commercial cooperation as the demonstration progresses, according to the agreement.
The process is designed to extract lithium from naturally pressurized underground brine before returning the remaining brine underground. Lithium is an important component in batteries and other advanced energy technologies.
In September, the UIPA Board approved a post-performance incentive for A1 Lithium, Anson Resources’ U.S. subsidiary, to support the project’s development. The company plans to invest approximately $569 million and create 511 construction jobs and 138 permanent positions. The incentive is earned only after the company meets established investment and employment commitments.
The project is located within the Castle Country Project Area. UIPA will continue working with Green River and project partners to coordinate infrastructure and community needs associated with the anticipated investment and workforce growth.
Savage Expands Regional Rail Capacity
Savage is also advancing a new phase of its terminal operations near Price in Carbon County. Plans presented to the UIPA Board include approximately $20 million in investment, 40 local jobs and additional development phases.
The terminal supports Savage’s broader strategy of connecting energy products from their point of origin to end markets. Its initial focus includes transferring Uinta Basin wax crude from trucks to insulated rail cars, providing producers with access to national markets through Union Pacific and BNSF connections.
The facility is also designed to accommodate other industrial bulk and liquid commodities, creating additional transportation options for businesses throughout eastern Utah. Savage previously announced that the terminal would be developed within the Castle Country Project Area to support regional logistics and economic growth.
“Projects like this are critical to elevating Utah’s logistics system and spurring rural economic growth,” UIPA Executive Director Ben Hart said when the terminal was announced.
Together, the three projects demonstrate the range of investment taking place across Castle Country, from advanced energy research and critical minerals to rail and supply chain infrastructure.
UIPA does not own or directly develop these projects. Its role is to partner with local governments and coordinate potential infrastructure investments and post-performance economic development tools. Any future incentive or financial support requiring board action would be considered during a public meeting.
Published: 09/10/26
Author: Kaitlin Felsted