The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) and the Southern Utah Economic Alliance (So.Utah) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their partnership and strengthen coordination between Utah’s statewide business recruitment efforts and southern Utah’s five-county region.

Under the agreement, So.Utah will continue leading economic development engagement across Washington, Iron, Beaver, Kane and Garfield counties. The organization will provide companies and statewide partners with direct access to local leaders, communities, sites, infrastructure, workforce resources, and other regional opportunities.

EDCUtah and So.Utah have also established reciprocal representation on their respective boards, creating a direct and ongoing connection between statewide and regional economic development efforts.

Working alongside state and local economic development organizations, EDCUtah and So.Utah will coordinate company outreach, project responses and site visits for businesses evaluating opportunities in southern Utah.

Ryan Starks, executive director of EDCUtah said, “At EDCUtah, our mission has always been to bring the right people to the table on behalf of the businesses we serve. Collaboration is the ingredient that makes ‘Team Utah’ work, and agreements like this put that principle into practice. By formalizing our relationship with So.Utah, we are building a stronger, more coordinated effort to bring investment and critical jobs to communities across our state.”

“We’re honored to formalize this partnership with EDCUtah,” said Todd Brightwell, CEO of So.Utah. “Southern Utah has tremendous opportunities, and companies need a clear path to understand what we have and how to connect with the right people. We know our communities, our sites, and our local leaders. EDCUtah brings statewide and national reach, along with decades of recruitment experience, while collaborating with the state connects important state resources and programs. Bringing those strengths together gives southern Utah a stronger, unified voice and a better opportunity to compete for the projects that will bring high-value jobs and investment to our region.”

For businesses considering an expansion within Utah or a new location in the state, the agreement provides a coordinated team connecting state resources, statewide recruitment capabilities, regional expertise, and local decision-makers.

Ryan Starks and Todd Brightwell are available for interviews about this partnership upon request.‍

About the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah)‍

EDCUtah is Utah’s statewide economic development organization, working with state and local government and private industry to attract high-value companies and grow Utah’s economy. Since 1987, EDCUtah’s mission has been to catalyze quality jobs and capital investment across the state through corporate recruitment and retention, economic research, site selector marketing, and community strategy. Learn more at www.edcutah.org.

About the Southern Utah Economic Alliance (So.Utah)

So.Utah, the Southern Utah Economic Alliance, is a private-sector-led, publicly supported regional economic development organization serving Washington, Iron, Beaver, Kane and Garfield counties. So.Utah works to expand, recruit, and retain businesses while serving as a regional convener and connecting companies, communities and partners with the data, relationships and resources needed to succeed. Its mission is to advance a resilient, competitive and sustainable economy across southern Utah. Learn more at soutah.org
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For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

400 jobs
$287 million capex
Project Lucy

Congratulations to Garfield County and Iron County! Trigg Minerals, LLC (DBA American Tungsten and Antimony Ltd, or “ATAA”), a next-generation critical minerals company, has announced plans for new mining operations in Antimony Canyon, Garfield County, alongside a high-tech, clean refining facility planned in Iron County. The project marks a major milestone as Trigg Minerals moves to become the first U.S. producer and supplier of antimony, a critical mineral used in fire retardants, lead-based batteries, and ammunition. Trigg Minerals plans to add 400 new jobs and invest $287 million in Utah, supporting long-term economic growth across rural communities.

“This project represents a significant opportunity for Garfield County and rural Utah as a whole,” said Kaden Figgins, Garfield County director of planning & economic development. “The development of domestic antimony production in Antimony Canyon highlights the strategic importance of our region’s natural resources while creating meaningful economic opportunities for local residents. We appreciate ATAA’s commitment to investing in rural communities and advancing responsible resource development that supports long-term economic resilience, job creation, and national supply chain security.”

“This is a game-changer for our local economy and the future of our residents,” said David Johnson, economic development director of Cedar City and Iron County. “The arrival of Trigg Minerals represents a generational shift for our workforce that will provide hundreds of families with stable, high-paying jobs. We are grateful for this opportunity that ensures a more prosperous and resilient future for all of rural Utah.”

Trigg Minerals is advancing a vertically integrated critical minerals initiative in southern Utah, opening Antimony Canyon in Garfield County to new mining operations while developing a high-tech, clean refining facility in Iron County. This dual-site approach enables in-state extraction and processing, positioning ATAA to become the first domestic producer and supplier of antimony—a material essential to applications such as fire retardants, lead-based batteries, and ammunition.

“EDCUtah is honored to support ATAA as it addresses a critical gap in the U.S. domestic supply chain,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of EDCUtah. “Utah is uniquely positioned to play a meaningful role in the production of critical minerals, and ATAA is helping lead the responsible development of antimony resources. We commend ATAA’s efforts to create high-quality jobs in rural Utah and to advance materials refining through clean, resource-conscious practices.”

“This recognition from the State of Utah represents a major milestone for American Tungsten and Antimony and reinforces the strategic importance of establishing a secure, domestic supply chain for critical minerals in the United States,” said Andre Booyzen, CEO of American Tungsten & Antimony Ltd. “Our planned antimony tertiary refining facility and integrated mining and processing strategy are designed to support America’s growing demand for materials essential to defence, energy, and advanced manufacturing. We are proud to be investing in rural Utah, creating high-quality jobs, and contributing to the long-term economic strength of Iron and Garfield Counties and the wider region. This project reflects our commitment to responsible development, industrial innovation, and helping position the United States as a leader in critical minerals independence at a time when supply chain security has never been more important.”

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOED) assisted the project by approving Trigg Minerals for a Rural Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (REDTIF) incentive.

“Trigg Minerals’ expansion into Garfield and Iron Counties is a monumental win for Utah that perfectly captures the essence of our strategic economic vision,” said Jefferson Moss, commissioner of GOED. “By establishing the nation’s first modern antimony tertiary refining facility right here in our state, we are doing more than just creating 400 jobs in a rural Utah community; we are securing Utah’s position as a critical hub in the global supply chain for defense, renewable energy, and technology. This project exemplifies our commitment to diversifying rural economies and ensuring that Utah leads the way in domestic mineral security and industrial innovation.”

This project was supported by key partners across the state, including the GOED, the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA), Iron County, the Southern Utah Economic Alliance (So.Utah), BZI, and ARCO Design/Build.

Jared Stewart of EDCUtah and Jen Wakeland of GOED supported Project Lucy for the State of Utah.

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EDCUtah Investors: If you were involved with this project and would like your organization mentioned, please email connect@edcutah.org and we’ll update this article.

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

106 jobs
$17 billion capex
Project Flute

Congratulations to Millard County! Creekstone Energy, a large-scale, next-generation power and AI data center company, has announced plans to develop a major campus in Millard County focused on energy generation and data center facilities. Creekstone Energy plans to add 106 new, high-paying jobs and invest $17 billion in Utah over the next 20 years, supporting new opportunities and continued economic growth in the region.

“This project represents a defining moment for Millard County,” said Trevor Johnson, Millard County commissioner. “Our community has deep roots in agriculture and a long tradition of hard work, stewardship, and self-reliance, and this investment builds on that foundation while expanding our increasingly diverse economy. Millard County is excited to have the Creekstone Gigasite in our county and look forward to embracing new opportunities with quality jobs, strengthening local infrastructure, and ensuring long-term prosperity for the families and industries that call Millard County home.”

The “Creekstone Gigasite” project, which began construction late last year in Millard County, will be a large-scale, next-generation power and AI data center. Located near Delta, Utah, this campus will feature an integrated on-site natural gas power generation system, utility-scale solar energy, and purpose-built data processing facilities, all situated on a single contiguous site that operates independently of the constrained utility grid. This “behind-the-meter” design serves as the foundation for what the company aims to establish as the world’s largest AI-optimized data center, with a capacity of 10 gigawatts.

“EDCUtah is proud to support companies that are bringing new value and long-term opportunity to rural communities,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of EDCUtah. “Creekstone Energy is part of a generational buildout of critical infrastructure, and they are doing so with a forward-thinking approach, including no evaporative water use for cooling. Their plan includes a diverse, resilient mix of power generation that aligns well with Utah’s ‘all of the above’ energy strategy. We anticipate Creekstone will be a strong partner in supporting local economic growth and creating opportunity for many years to come.”

“Delta and Millard County have long been central to Utah’s energy economy, and that history is a big part of why this location is right for a project of this scale,” said Ray Conley, president and CEO of Creekstone Energy. “The energy generation capacity and distribution infrastructure, combined with world-class fiber connectivity that serves this region, create a convergence that is unmatched. We are grateful to local and state leadership for recognizing that opportunity and for their confidence in what Creekstone is building. This incentive reflects a genuine partnership, and Creekstone is committed to being a long-term contributor to this community and this state. Utah is positioning itself to play a central role in America’s AI future.”

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) assisted the project by approving Creekstone Energy for a Rural Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (REDTIF) incentive.

“This project highlights Utah’s innovative economy and our commitment to shared growth across the state,” said Jefferson Moss, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Creekstone Energy will bring significant investment and high-paying jobs to Millard County, strengthening the economic foundation for rural Utah and supporting the infrastructure needs of the energy and technology sectors.”

This project was supported through close collaboration with key partners across the state. Special thanks to Steve Styler of Foxley & Pignanelli, GOEO, Millard County, and the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) for their engagement and support throughout the process. Other investors and businesses across the State will support Creekstone as service providers.

Jared Stewart, senior business development manager, assisted Project Flute for EDCUtah.

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EDCUtah Investors: If you were involved with this project and would like your organization mentioned, please email connect@edcutah.org and we’ll update this article.

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

10 jobs
$40 million capex
Project Rod

Congratulations to Beaver County! Rodatherm Energy Corporation has announced plans to expand its operations in Beaver County, Utah — creating 10 new jobs, generating 100 megawatts of electricity, and investing $40 million in Utah over the coming years. Rodatherm is a geothermal energy company that combines horizontal drilling with heat pump technology to deliver low-cost, water-free electricity.

“Beaver County is excited about the progress Rodatherm has made over the last 18 months and their recent announcement,” said the Beaver County Commission. “We are particularly supportive of their closed-loop technology, as we remain conscious of our limited water availability. Additionally, we welcome the potential for ten new full-time jobs. This investment will allow ten families to join our rural community, supporting our local economy and schools. We look forward to the future as Rodatherm advances and completes this geothermal project.”

Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS), its member communities, and the Southern Utah Economic Alliance were instrumental in welcoming Rodatherm and supporting the company’s decision to locate and grow in Utah, positioning it as a future power producer for the state. Rodatherm’s expansion is partially located in Millard County, where some taxes will be paid. Millard County’s collaboration and permitting made this initial expansion possible.

“Rodatherm Energy embodies the innovative and collaborative approach that defines Utah’s energy economy,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of EDCUtah. “Their company culture reflects Utah’s ethos of working and building together, and everywhere they engage, they bring value to the community with openness and curiosity. We are proud to have Rodatherm on its way to generating low-impact, high-value electricity and making a positive impact across Utah.”

Rodatherm is set to begin drilling its first project on January 18 near Milford in Beaver County, which is projected to generate over 100 megawatts of electricity. Rodatherm is actively engaged in additional developments across the state and is confident in its ability to scale and expand a successful model. Recently, Rodatherm was highlighted in Utah Business after raising $38 million in funding—the largest-ever Series A raise for a geothermal startup.

“Rodatherm is developing secure, water-free geothermal power in Utah,” said Curtis Cook, president of Rodatherm Energy Corporation. “Its advanced heat recovery technology makes clean energy efficient, scalable and cost-competitive. We are excited to build resilient power generation for Utah.”

Jared Stewart, senior business development manager, led Project Rod for EDCUtah.

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EDCUtah Investors: If you were involved with this project and would like to have your organization mentioned, please email connect@edcutah.org and we’ll update this article.

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

30 jobs
Project Thermos

Congratulations to Beaver County! In October, Fervo broke ground on power plant construction at Cape Station, an enhanced geothermal energy production project located northeast of Milford City, Utah. Enhanced geothermal utilizes horizontal drilling technology to produce more energy than previously available with traditional geothermal power development.

“Fervo Energy’s commitment to Beaver County and Milford City sets the gold standard,” said Jen Wakeland, strategic development director for Beaver County. “They are community-oriented players who know the value of energy production in a community. We are thrilled to have them here in Beaver County.

Cape Station is slated to produce 400 megawatts of power in the first two phases of the project, and Phase I will begin delivering around-the-clock power to the grid in 2026. Fervo has already hired three full-time staff from the local community and will create hundreds of temporary construction jobs in the coming years. Fervo anticipates that Cape Station, when complete, will employ up to 30 full-time permanent workers.

“We are so lucky to be building our first greenfield project in Beaver County, Utah,” said Sarah Jewett, vice president of strategy for Fervo Energy. “The community has been hugely welcoming and collaborative and has been an essential partner in the progress we’ve made to date.”

EDCUtah was connected to Fervo Energy by Beaver County and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. EDCUtah assisted Fervo in exploring available incentive programs in Utah and introduced the company to the Utah Office of Energy Development and the Utah Inland Port Authority. Fervo Energy is a potential partner to future companies as they begin generating power, which can be used to attract new development to Beaver County. Together, EDCUtah, Beaver County, and Fervo Energy will work to attract other companies that will benefit the community.

“Utah continues to showcase its leadership in renewable energy innovation with projects like Fervo Energy’s Cape Station,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president of EDCUtah. “By leveraging cutting-edge enhanced geothermal technologies, Fervo is not only creating new energy solutions but also contributing to local job creation and economic growth in Beaver County. We’re excited to see Fervo’s commitment to sustainable energy production and are proud to welcome them to Utah’s thriving energy landscape.”

Fervo is leading a wave of ingenuity and technological innovation that is expanding geothermal’s potential, vastly increasing geothermal energy production capabilities, and broadening project viability to previously inaccessible areas of the country.‍

Jared Stewart, senior business development manager, supported Project Thermos for EDCUtah.

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EDCUtah Investors: If you were involved with this project and would like to have your organization mentioned, please email connect@edcutah.org and we’ll update this article.

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.

160 jobs
$20 million capex

Today, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity awarded Milford Mining a post-performance tax reduction for its expansion in Beaver County. The corporate incentive is part of the state’s Rural Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (REDTIF) program.

As part of the agreement, Milford Mining projects to add 160 new, high-paying jobs and invest $20,000,000 in rural Utah during the next five years.

“Utah’s rich mineral resources are a significant draw for companies seeking a supportive environment that values responsible and sustainable mining practices,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Utah offers a skilled workforce, excellent infrastructure, and proximity to key markets, making it a prime destination for mining ventures. We’re pleased to welcome Milford Mining’s expanding operations to the state.”

Milford Mining, a dynamic and innovative operator in the mining industry, is dedicated to sustainable resource extraction and responsible environmental practices. With a rich history spanning several decades, it prioritizes the well-being of the communities in which it operates, consistently delivering high-quality minerals to meet global demands. The operations in Milford, Utah, specializing in copper ore mining, will involve a flotation mill and a solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW) process, allowing the production of copper concentrate, which includes gold and silver, as well as pure copper cathode. Milford Mining’s commitment to new technology and best-in-class safety measures ensures an efficient operation and a safe working environment while minimizing the environmental footprint.

“Western Beaver County has historically been a location containing high-grade minerals,” said Darin Malchus, vice president of Milford Mining. “Never before has copper been so important to the nation’s energy systems as it is currently. Utah’s cooperation with the mining community, combined with access to local talent were significant factors in Milford Mining’s decision to commence operations in the state. We would like to thank the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity for support of this project.”

“The revitalization of the mining industry in Beaver County heralds us back to our beginnings as a county and to our first economic boom in the mid-1800s,” said Jen Wakeland, strategic development director for Beaver County. “A far cry from those early days of mining, Milford Mining will bring invigorated processes, updated technologies, and will hire some of the best workforce to manage the resources produced by the mine. As the mining tradition in our county moves forward, we are thrilled to endorse and encourage Milford Mining.”

“We join GOEO in welcoming Milford Mining to Utah,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of EDCUtah. “We’re pleased to see the company’s commitment to innovation and community well-being, both of which align with the values of rural Utah.”

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For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact us.