There is a growing demand for lithium by electric vehicle and battery makers. Piedmont Lithium hopes to provide some of that lithium by digging multiple pits 500 feet deep on the 1500 acres they own just east of Cherryville. But there are several hurdles in their way:
1. The company is still awaiting a Federal Air Quality permit.
2. Piedmont still needs a state mining permit. One of the concerns is how the company will treat wastewater.
3. Once permits are received, the plan must still be approved by Gaston County Commissioners, some of whom have expressed skepticism. There has also been major push back from local residents.
We’ll keep following this story.
