Controversial Piedmont Lithium mine project faces opposition from locals and officials
Piedmont Lithium faced skepticism and anger from North Carolina officials at a meeting regarding its plans for a lithium mine that would supply Tesla with the electric vehicle battery metal. The proposed open-pit mine, if approved, would be one of the few lithium-producing sites in the United States. However, officials expressed concerns about potential water shortages and the impact on local wells. Piedmont assured that widespread drying up of wells is not expected but admitted that at least 10 neighbors could run out of water. The company offered to assist affected residents by digging deeper wells or connecting them to municipal water supplies. The project highlights the tension between those resistant to living near a mine and those advocating for reduced dependence on China for strategic minerals. Piedmont needs approval from the Gaston County Board of Commissioners for a zoning variance and a state mining permit.