Interview Series: Chapter 4 —Cobalt and National Security: EVelution Energy Addresses a Strategic U.S. Need
How a U.S.-based cobalt processing facility helps secure America’s defense readiness and clean energy future—with support from the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
In Chapter 4 of the ongoing interview series between Michael Gibson of USAdvisors.org and the leadership team at EVelution Energy, the conversation takes a turn into national security—and the critical role cobalt plays in both U.S. defense and clean energy infrastructure.
Cobalt isn’t just for electric vehicles. It’s a vital material used in military drones, advanced missile systems, aerospace components, and even backup battery systems that power essential defense technology. And yet, despite its strategic importance, the U.S. has allowed its domestic cobalt stockpile to dwindle dangerously low.
“During the Cold War, the U.S. had 13,000 metric tons of cobalt in its Strategic Defense Stockpile,” said Gil Michel-Garcia, EVP and General Counsel of EVelution Energy. “Today, we have fewer than 300 metric tons—barely enough for a few weeks of national need.”
This alarming gap in national preparedness is why both Republican and Democratic administrations—past and present—have pushed to re-onshore critical mineral supply chains. In fact, a recent Executive Order from President Trump reaffirmed cobalt’s strategic designation, a continuation of the same focus under the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
EVelution Energy’s response? Build the first U.S.-based cobalt processing facility, located in Yuma County, Arizona. The project has already drawn attention from automakers like General Motors and Stellantis, as well as national leaders focused on economic independence and defense readiness.
“This is about more than EV batteries,” said Michael Gibson during the interview. “It’s about securing America’s future—economically, militarily, and industrially.”
Through a strategic funding partnership with Intermestic Capital and EB5 Horizon, the project is also open to qualified immigrant investors through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. This program offers eligible foreign nationals a path to U.S. permanent residency in exchange for a job-creating investment in projects like EVelution Energy.
Why This Matters:
National Defense: Cobalt is essential for defense technology, yet the U.S. lacks adequate reserves.
Re-Onshoring Production: EVelution’s Arizona facility will reduce reliance on foreign sources, especially China.
Bipartisan Support: Both major political parties agree on the need to secure domestic mineral processing.
Investor Opportunity: EB-5 investors can help fund this critical project—and earn a U.S. green card in the process.
Watch Chapter 4 of the interview now: https://youtu.be/whttX6qRHa4
🌐 Learn more about investment opportunities with EB5 Horizon: www.eb5horizon.com
Evelution Energy Interview Chapter 4
Michael Gibson, USAdvisors, interviews Gil Michele-Garcia, Executive Vice President, Evelution Energy
Transcript
Evelution Energy Interview Chapter 4
Michael Gibson, Managing Director of US Advisors (USAdvisors.org) an independent Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Michael also owns and runs EB-5 Investments (eb5projects.com) and is an EB5 industry expert.
Gil Michel-Garcia, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Treasurer & Secretary
Michael Gibson, speaking
And we talked earlier about how Senators and Congressmen from both sides of the aisle, Republican and Democrats. These are all things that they support. Obviously, they wanna increase their manufacturing base. They wanna create employment. So those are the, the carryovers from the RIA that, that probably would be still maintained here.
Gil Michel-Garcia, speaking
But, just in President Trump in his most recent enactment, which was this week, effectively, was very clear that with respect to critical minerals, it is the policy of the government of the United States and the current administration as well as the previous administration, that they are of strategic importance to the United States. And that it is very important that we domesticate the supply chain of those materials.
Michael Gibson, speaking
Yeah. And to that point, I mean, I think all of America learned a huge lesson during Covid. When almost all of the pharmaceutical manufacturing, especially the mask and protective equipment, and a lot of the drug testing was being done in Asia, principally in China. And we found out we, when we could no longer get any of that equipment, how critical that was, imagined to our health. And now we're speaking about Department of Defense, we're speaking about US manufacturing of electrical vehicles, and other components. And I could see why they would want an emphasis. I'm having a US producer of such a critical component.
Gil Michel-Garcia, speaking
I'm just to give you a little bit of background on terms of the strategic defense, of the Strategic Defense Stockpile of the United States. During the Cold War the United States has strategic defense stock of 13,000 metric tons of cobalt. Which is used in a myriad of aerospace and defense applications and weapon systems. After the Cold War, it's decreased to about 300 metric times.
Michael Gibson, speaking
So almost nothing.
Gil Michel-Garcia, speaking
Almost nothing.
Michael Gibson, speaking
Like you would say one month of…
Gil Michel-Garcia, speaking
Not even. several weeks, a couple of weeks.
Michael Gibson, speaking
A couple weeks of supply. Can you imagine if that was the gasoline reserve? That would be crazy.
Gil Michel-Garcia, speaking
It would be crazy, right? And, cobalt demand has exploded and it’s expected to continue to explode. Because of both EV applications in the growth of the aerospace and defense sector. We just think about how drones are becoming now super important in all warfare. We're seeing it in Ukraine. It's, it's an emphasis on the South Pacific theater. And, so basically having the capacity to manufacture one of the most crucial components for EV batteries. For drone batteries, which are all electric. As well as for the components for aerospace and defense missile systems, and aerospace systems is a very important thing. Which we want to not only domesticate. But we want to be able to domestically supply the American US strategic preservative.
Michael Gibson, speaking
No, and I think that's a critical component of any administration. They wanna make as America as safe as possible by, you know, having our manufacturing base within our borders.
Gil Michel-Garcia, speaking
So just it turns as critical materials, that is the focus of both administrations, regardless of party
Interview Series: Chapter 3 —EVelution Energy Aligns with U.S. Manufacturing Goals and Inflation Reduction Act
EVelution Energy’s founders discuss re-onshoring manufacturing and US critical minerals policy
IIn Chapter 3 of our ongoing video interview series, Michael Gibson of USAdvisors.org speaks with Navaid Alam of EVelution Energy about the company’s alignment with U.S. industrial and energy policies.
They discuss how Evelution Energy’s cobalt processing facility — funded in part by EB-5 investments — plays a key role in shortening supply chains, reducing dependency on China, and supporting the goals of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Major companies like General Motors and Stellantis are already showing interest, and with bipartisan momentum behind re-shoring and clean energy, Evelution Energy’s future looks strong.
With EB-5 financing provided by Intermestic Capital and EB5 Hortizon, this project offers foreign investors the opportunity to participate in a transformative American industrial initiative.
Watch Chapter 3 of the interview now: Click link below
Yuma, Arizona | Powered by EB5 Horizon + Intermestic Capital
Evelution Energy Interview Chapter 2
Michael Gibson, USAdvisors, interviews Gil Michele-Garcia, Executive Vice President, Evelution Energy
Transcript
Evelution Energy Interview Chapter 3
Michael Gibson, Managing Director of US Advisors (USAdvisors.org) an independent Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Michael also owns and runs EB-5 Investments (eb5projects.com) and is an EB5 industry expert.
Navaid Alam, President & Chief Executive Officer EVelution Energy
Michael Gibson, speaking
So, Navaid, Gil brought up a good point. We know now with the current administration, there's a huge focus from moving manufacturing offshore, in particular from China to the United States. How do you see your plan and your initiative fitting into the current administration's goal? And, more importantly, for US manufacturers who are looking to shorten the supply chain from having to import from overseas and to being able to buy it from a US supplier?
Navid Alam, speaking
Yeah, great question, Mike. We're, we're actually getting a lot of interest from, very large US purchasers, as we mentioned. Such as General Motors and Stellantis to buy our product. They are interested in the shortened supply chain, the just in time inventory that's located in the United States. We're definitely IRA compliant. We have…
Michael Gibson, speaking
And, and you, and you mentioned IRA. For our listeners who may not be familiar, can you explain a little bit more about?
Navaid Alam, Speaking
Sure, that's the Inflation Reduction Act. And…
Michale Gibson, speaking
And, and that was promoted by or instituted by President Biden, in the previous administration. There was some thought that that would be killed under Trump. But, what's your sense on that?
Navaid Alam, speaking
Well, we think the parts of it that are basically carrying on Trump's initial administration's policies, such as de-risking from China, re-onshoring the factories in back into the United States, hiring US labor, hiring and training American college students for great jobs in the United States. All of that was also promoted under the IRA. And, we believe, since it was initially started by the first Trump administration, it's gonna be absolutely continued in the second Trump administration.
Interview Series: Chapter 2 — Why Cobalt, Why Arizona?
EVelution Energy’s founders explain the strategic choice behind building America’s first cobalt processing facility in Yuma, Arizona.
In Chapter 2 of our exclusive interview series, Michael Gibson, Managing Director of USAdvisors.org, continues his conversation with Navaid Alam and Gil Michel-Garcia, the founders of EVelution Energy. This segment explores the global supply chain dynamics, geopolitical necessity, and strategic location of the project.
“We’re not doing anything different than China. We’re simply repatriating and reindustrializing cobalt production—right here in the United States.”
— Gil Michel-Garcia, EVelution Energy
The discussion highlights:
Why cobalt is critical to the U.S. economy, national defense, and EV manufacturing
How Arizona’s permitting-friendly environment and local relationships enabled rapid project progress
How EVelution Energy secured partnerships with Glencore, Trafigura, and ERG for raw materials sourcing
The importance of offering a non-Chinese supply chain alternative to major companies like Stellantis, GM, and the U.S. Department of Defense
With EB-5 financing provided by Intermestic Capital and EB5 Hortizon, this project offers foreign investors the opportunity to participate in a transformative American industrial initiative.
Watch Chapter 2 of the interview now: Click link below
Yuma, Arizona | Powered by EB5 Horizon + Intermestic Capital
Evelution Energy Interview Chapter 2
Michael Gibson, USAdvisors, interviews Gil Michele-Garcia, Executive Vice President, Evelution Energy
Transcript
Evelution Energy Interview Chapter 2
Michael Gibson, Managing Director of US Advisors (USAdvisors.org) an independent Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Michael also owns and runs EB-5 Investments (eb5projects.com) and is an EB5 industry expert.
Navaid Alam, President & Chief Executive Officer
Gil Michel-Garcia, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Treasurer & Secretary
Michael Gibson, speaking
Now, now Gil, Navaid mentioned off-take. And there's a lot of things that I'm sure our, our listeners may not be familiar with commodity processing. You identified cobalt as one of those resources that in the United States is not being produced. Hence, the need for the factory. Tell us why was it your thought to come to Arizona? What is what is the cobalt going to be beneficial for in terms of, let's say, instead of purchasing it from China or from another place? Where is it where is it primarily produced in the world? And why should we be producing it in the United States?
Gil Michele-Garcia, speaking
Well, first of all, thanks, Mike. There is no, or no material, amount of cobalt in United States in terms of mines. So, cobalt is a mineral. It's a critical mineral that occurs in conjunction with either nickel or copper. So there are mines like the ones in Congo, which we’re sourcing, where cobalt occurs in conjunction with copper. And there are mines like the ones in Indonesia that have become famous because of the production of China and the growth that are nickel based. So cobalt is, is one of these materials that is needed not just for the for the EV market but also for aerospace and defense applications. And when we looked at, doing this, Arizona became key. One, because Navaid’s family and ourselves, we have experience operating in Arizona. I mean, I ran ADARCO (Grupo Mexico’s AZ mining subsidiary) all of our international financing operations for a while. So I'm very familiar with Arizona.
Michael Gibson, speaking
And that, and that was with when you were with the Grupo Mexico and now, now with your own company here.
Gil Michele-Garcia, speaking
And, and so we had the property, and most importantly, we had very good relationships with the local community. And that those strong relationships allowed us to be able to get the permitting quite quickly. As most of your…
Michael Gibson, speaking
And that's gonna be, for our listeners who don't understand in the United States, environmental issues are top and foremost typically when you apply to do any kind of metals processing or almost any kind of manufacturing.
Gil Michel-Garcia, speaking
Yeah, getting the permits is the most difficult thing. So our ability to have very good relationships with a community and long standing relationship with them allowed us to be able to get the permitting. So we have the land, we got the permitting. And then our experience, Navaid’s and ours trading initially copper and then subsequently cobalt as commodities, physical commodities traders. We have the experience to be able to reach out to both the clients that would supply us. And then we would have the credibility buy from them. We’re buying from the three largest non Chinese suppliers in the world. So Glencore, Trafigura, and ERG all based on the Congo. And the, the fact this would be the first and largest Cobalt processing facility in the United States, allowed us to do the outreach to large clients. Stellatis, GM, Umicore, LG Energy and also the Defense Department. To be able to offer them a unique off-take of US refined cobalt. That comes, in our particular case, from the Congo. And we're also looking at expanding sources as well as from Chile. Because there is none in the United States. So even China that controls 75% of the refined cobalt market in the world. Imports all of its cobalt to process in China. So we're not doing anything different. We're essentially repatriating and reindustrializing the United States and creating a production facility for this critical mineral. Necessary for our defense and for the growth of the energy sector in the United States controlled by American investors
Introducing the Future of U.S. Energy Infrastructure – EVelution Energy
Intermestic Capital and EB5 Horizon sponsor EVelution Energy Interview
EB5 Horizon and Intermestic Capital are proud to provide EB-5 financing for EVelution Energy’s groundbreaking cobalt processing facility in Yuma, Arizona. In this first video of our interview series, EB-5 industry expert Michael Gibson speaks with Navaid Alam and Gil Michel-Garcia about how their global infrastructure experience and deep industry insight led to the creation of the first cobalt processing plant in North America.
Evelution Energy Interview Chapter 1
Michael Gibson, USAdvisors, interviews Navaid Alam, President Evelution Energy
Transcript
EVelution Energy Interviews Chapter 1.
Michael Gibson, Managing Director of US Advisors (USAdvisors.org) an independent Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Michael also owns and runs EB-5 Investments (eb5projects.com) and is an EB5 industry expert.
Navaid Alam, President & Chief Executive Officer
Gil Michel-Garcia, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Treasurer & Secretary
Michael Gibson, speaking
Hi, I want to welcome everybody today to another segment of our EB5 Project Showcase. Today we are in Phoenix, Arizona. We're speaking with the principals of Evelution Energy. I have Navaid Alam and Gil Michel-Garcia. They are the principals and founders of a very interesting and somewhat unusual product for the EB5 space. Which is more familiar with commercial real estate, construction projects, hospitality, multi-family things of that nature. This is a cobalt processing facility that you all are locating in Yuma, Arizona.
I'm sure a lot of our investors and listeners have absolutely no idea what a cobalt processing facility looks like or why is it even needed, why is it necessary? So to help us understand not only why is it necessary, but perhaps why should they be thinking of investing in it to secure their green card and perhaps the return of their capital. I'm happy to have you guys here today to talk more about this. So, let me start first with you Navaid, tell us about the genesis, what, before we even get into the cobalt processing, and why is it needed? Tell us what, how you came up with the idea. You and Gil, I understand, you worked on this together for many years. What, how did this idea start in your mind?
Navaid Alam, speaking
Thanks, Mike.
We are actually have known each other for a long time, 25 years or more. We were lawyers together in New York. After I left the law about 22 years ago, I started building infrastructure projects in all over the world, so large grain terminals, oil terminals. In, in Africa, we built the first new export grain terminal in the United States, in the US Gulf in Lake Charles, Louisiana. And we realized that we could really build this infrastructure of cobalt metal in the United States and be the first ones to do it. Currently, there are zero cobalt facilities in the United States. And in fact, all North America. So being first market will be a great benefit to us and to the cobalt market in North America. We were working on copper trading. Gil used to be working with Grupo Mexico, which is one of the largest copper companies in the world. And we, we went to Africa to trade copper and we realized that the cobalt market was one of the most interesting markets with which we could gain entry and be one of the first market because a very fragmented market at the time.
And cobalt happens to be one of the most stable metals known to man. It's a great thermal regulator. It is used in high-energy, high-density applications such as jet engines, hypersonic missiles, stealth bombers. It's used in EV batteries and laptop batteries and iPhone batteries. And, we have a shortage of cobalt in the United States. Cobalt processing, the United States. So our idea was that we should build the first cobalt processing refinery in the US to take advantage of all the growth in EV demand, and hypersonic missile demand, in stealth bombers, in defense applications that are really starting to boom in this country at this point. So, we have, because of all of our experience building infrastructure around the world, we were able to source our cobalt-input from Africa. And also talk about off-take with very large US companies such as General Motors, Stellantis, LG Energy, Glencore. Who are building battery gigafactories in North America.
Milestone Agreement Secures Future of U.S. Cobalt: EVelution Energy Signs Landmark Deal with Mitsui, Supported by EB5 Horizon and Intermestic Capital
.At EB5 Horizon, we’re proud to stand behind a major step forward in America’s clean energy and national security future. On April 28, 2025, EVelution Energy signed a transformative offtake agreement with Mitsui & Co., Ltd., one of the world’s leading metal traders. Under this letter of intent, Mitsui will purchase nearly all cobalt metal and cobalt sulfate produced by EVelution’s upcoming cobalt processing facility in Yuma County, Arizona.
This long-term supply agreement marks a significant vote of confidence in the project’s commercial viability and positions the facility to become the first large-scale, solar-powered cobalt processing plant in the United States. Backed by strategic EB-5 investment through Intermestic Capital and EB5 Horizon, this facility is expected to domestically produce up to 40% of U.S. cobalt demand—a game-changer for America’s defense, EV, and aerospace industries. This transformational project is a powerful example of how EB-5 capital can drive meaningful economic growth, support U.S. national security, and offer immigrant investors a direct path to permanent residency in the United States.
Why This Agreement Matters.
The partnership with Mitsui affirms global demand for American-produced cobalt and solidifies the financial and strategic foundation for the Yuma County facility. With China currently refining over 75% of the world’s cobalt, the EVelution-Mitsui agreement represents a turning point in the reshoring of critical mineral processing.
“This agreement is a key validation of EVelution Energy’s vision,” said Navaid Alam, President of EVelution Energy. “It’s not just a supply deal—it’s a commitment to a secure, green, and independent cobalt supply chain for the United States and its allies.”
EB-5 Investment Meets Strategic Energy Policy
EB5 Horizon and Intermestic Capital are proud to facilitate EB-5 investment in this groundbreaking development. The project qualifies as a High Unemployment Area (HUA), offering investors:
Lower investment threshold ($800,000)
Robust job creation metrics
Pathway to U.S. permanent residency
Our collaboration ensures global investors gain access to a well-structured, high-impact project with long-term commercial traction — now reinforced by Mitsui’s global distribution network.
Local Impact, Global Significance
The facility is expected to:
Create over 3,300 direct, indirect, and induced jobs
Generate $750M+ in economic activity
Operate using 100% on-site solar energy
Recycle 70% of its water
Produce zero tailings, minimizing environmental impact
Develop apprenticeship programs through Arizona Western College
This project’s footprint extends far beyond Arizona—it touches the future of U.S. national security, renewable energy, and immigration.
Join the Movement
EB5 Horizon is committed to helping investors seize opportunities that align purpose with potential. With Intermestic Capital’s leadership in EB-5 structuring and EVelution Energy’s visionary operations, this project is your gateway to meaningful impact and lasting residency.
Seize opportunity - Power progress
Intermestic Capital, an EB-5 Overview
Intermestic Capital provides an EB5 overview.
The EB5 VISA offers a path to American residency and potential citizenship for investors. Intermestic Capital specializes in EB5 qualifying projects under the Department of Homeland Security. The program promises access to education, job opportunities, and the American dream. Endorsed by a former border community mayor and Chief of Staff at CBP, the initiative encourages investment in America, inviting interested individuals to explore more on their website and take the next step towards achieving their American dream.
Transcript
Are you interested in obtaining the American dream? The EB-5 visa is the clearest path to obtaining that for you and your family. At Intermestic Capital, we are experts in identifying the right projects that qualify under the Department of Homeland Security. Our investors receive their residency that can eventually become their US citizenship. No matter where you live, you will enjoy education, you will enjoy a quality job, and you will enjoy knowing that together, we can achieve that American dream. As a former mayor of a border community and as Chief of Staff at Customs and Border Protection under President Obama, I know how important it is to invest in America for you and your family. Join us, learn more on our website, and reach out so that together, we can help build your path to American dream. You.
EB5 Horizon Joins Forces to Fund Groundbreaking U.S. Cobalt Facility
EB5 Horizon, in strategic alliance with Intermestic Capital, is proud to participate in the EB-5 fundraising for a first-of-its-kind solar-powered cobalt processing facility in Yuma County, Arizona, developed by EVelution Energy.
This transformational project is a powerful example of how EB-5 capital can drive meaningful economic growth, support U.S. national security, and offer immigrant investors a direct path to permanent residency in the United States.
Project Highlights:
First large-scale solar-powered cobalt processing facility in the U.S.
$64.8 million EB-5 raise through Intermestic EB-5 Fund II, LP
Designated as a National Security Interest Project (priority processing expected)
Located in a HUA TEA & Opportunity Zone — minimum investment: $800,000
Over 3,300 new jobs expected to be created
Supported by the U.S. EXIM Bank with $200 million senior financing
Backed by bipartisan support from state and federal leadership
This facility will help domesticate a key segment of the U.S. critical minerals supply chain, reduce reliance on foreign production, and create a lasting economic impact in an underserved rural area.
“At EB5 Horizon, we are honored to work with Intermestic Capital to deliver capital that empowers innovation, creates jobs, and provides investors and their families with the opportunity to build a future in the United States.”
— Dennis Cunningham, President, EB5 Horizon
Interested in Investing?
If you’re an accredited foreign investor seeking U.S. permanent residency through the EB-5 Program, contact us today to learn how to get involved in this exceptional project.
Strategic Alliance Formed: EB5 Horizon and Intermestic Capital Join Forces to Strengthen EB-5 Investment Landscape
EB5 Horizon and Intermestic Capital
unite to deliver top-tier EB-5 advisory services in fund administration, project sourcing, and government relations
Park City, UT — EB5 Horizon and Intermestic Capital have united to deliver world-class advisory and consulting services in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Their collaboration spans fund administration, project sourcing, project structuring, and government relations - leveraging the distinct strengths and deep histories of both firms.
This strategic alliance arrives at a crucial time for the EB-5 industry, following the enactment of the Reform and Integrity Act (RIA), which has reshaped the compliance and opportunity landscape for regional centers, investors, and developers.
The principals of EB5 Horizon and Intermestic Capital first connected early in this decade, drawn together by a shared commitment to fostering responsible economic growth and advancing U.S. development goals. Their aligned vision and complementary strengths laid the foundation for a partnership built on mutual respect, trust, and strategic foresight.
EB5 Horizon, founded by Dennis Cunningham, brings over a decade of EB-5 experience to the partnership. Since launching his first USCIS-designated regional center in 2010, Dennis has led efforts in project sourcing, agency and agent network development, capital raising, and EB-5 project administration — while maintaining strong ties with financial institutions and government agencies.
Intermestic Capital brings deep global expertise in cross-border investments, infrastructure development, and global commerce. Its leadership is committed to sustainable investment strategies that support U.S. national security priorities and catalyze long-term economic development.
Together, the firms offer a full suite of strategic capabilities, including:
Continuous local and global market research
Proprietary insights into political and regulatory risk
Strong political, corporate, and government relationships
Post-investment value enhancement
Comprehensive regulatory risk management strategies
This alliance establishes a new standard of excellence in EB-5 advisory services — defined by integrity, innovation, and long-term impact.