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.