Revitalizing Kings Mountain Mine Brings Together 3 Generations 

March 11, 2025

The McDaniel family's enduring commitment to Albemarle and to the Kings Mountain Mine spans three generations, reflecting a deep-rooted dedication to the company and the local community. 

The family’s history aligns across most of the history of the mine, and now the younger generations may play a role in its comeback story. 

Lithium mining started at Kings Mountain in 1942, when there was a growing need for the raw material for the World War II military effort. Lithium was used by the U.S. Army and Navy and in the industrial production of materials such as aluminum and steel to strengthen their structural properties. Lithium also was incorporated as part of a lubricant for airplane engines that could withstand extreme temperatures during flight. 

Dennis McDaniel began his career at the mine in 1951. He dedicated himself to maintenance roles throughout his 34-year tenure. According to his grandson, Cale McDaniel, Dennis McDaniel was a jack of all trades, whose many skills were appreciated. 

In 1974, Dennis’ son, Larry "Stub" McDaniel, began working at the mine as a contract welder. When mining operations ceased at Kings Mountain in the 1990s, Stub McDaniel transitioned to different divisions, demonstrating his agility and commitment. He retired as a senior operator after 38 years. 

Albemarle acquired the Kings Mountain site as part of the Rockwood Holdings acquisition in 2015. Today, the Kings Mountain location not only houses a domestic lithium resource, but also includes our 5,500-ton conversion site that produces battery-grade lithium hydroxide for customers around the world. 

This summer marks 30 years at Kings Mountain for Cale McDaniel, Dennis's grandson. Having initially joined the workforce as summer help while he was a student majoring in music, Cale discovered his mechanical aptitude during a visit to the battery department.  

Now he’s an environmental, health and safety specialist, and he spoke about the mine's resurgence: "The main attraction to this project for me was seeing it come back full circle. I was raised by men who worked at that mine when it employed 400 people. I wanted to be a part of something great and see it return to operation." 

The McDaniel family's legacy extends into the community, with four generations serving as local firefighters. Today, Cale's two sons continue this tradition in public service roles, and his nephew has expressed interest in becoming a heavy equipment operator at the Kings Mountain Mine.  

Cale attributes his long-standing tenure to the company's culture: "It's the people, the care, the compassion, that's what keeps me here at Albemarle." 

Employees such as the McDaniels highlight Albemarle's core values—care, curiosity, collaboration, humility, accountability, and integrity—demonstrating the impact of dedicated individuals on the company and the communities we serve.