The Wilmington-based chemical company, Chemours, held a groundbreaking event over the weekend for a new manufacturing facility in the Mexican state of Durango. The plant will produce solid sodium cyanide, which is crucial to mining operations.

"This project is a further demonstration of our five-point transformation plan and will support the growing needs of the Mexican mining market," said Mark Vergnano, Chemours president and CEO. "We've had successful operations in Mexico for over 90 years, and this undertaking reinforces our continued commitment to our Chemours Mining Solutions business."

The project represents a $150 million investment.

Chris Siemer, president of the company's chemical solutions business unit, explained that the plant will be located at a crucial point in the mining supply chain.

"This production facility in Mexico will significantly increase our capacity and will include state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and production processes," he said. "Its location near some of the largest deposits of gold and silver in Mexico and in the heart of the mining industry will enable us to broaden our support to our customers by providing a distinct competitive advantage in supply chain routing."