GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Piedmont Lithium is one step closer to making its mining operation in Gaston County a reality. The company announced Monday that the state approved its mining permit two and a half years after it applied.
People in Cherryville have been pushing against the proposed lithium mine for the last few years. However, several people WCNC Charlotte spoke with on Main Street said the project is too divisive of an issue to share their opinions on camera.
"I think we’re a silent majority," one resident, who asked to be anonymous, said. "A lot of people are afraid to say anything about it because they are bringing a lot to the town as far as money."
The resident's biggest concern is the mine's impact on the environment. "I just don’t feel like it’s good for us and I think we should take a stance for that," she said.
Several houses in the Cherryville area have signs in their yards that have a large "no" symbol over the words: "Gaston County pit mine."
Piedmont Lithium is promising hundreds of jobs and an economic impact in the billions if the mine is approved. Demand for lithium has surged in recent years for electric vehicle batteries.
Piedmont Lithium’s CEO Keith Phillips said in a statement on Monday that the mine would help the U.S. speed toward a cleaner future:
“We plan to develop Carolina Lithium as one of the lowest-cost, most sustainable lithium hydroxide operations in the world, and as a critical part of the American electric vehicle supply chain.”
The company still has several steps to take in hopes of opening the mine, but some worry it’s a done deal.
"They’ve done so much investment now that I think it's gonna go through," the anonymous resident said.
Piedmont Lithium told WCNC Charlotte it still needs to obtain other permits and file a petition with Gaston County to go through the official rezoning process.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.