The proposed open-pit mine near Kings Mountain could cause a major stink, Congressman Tim Moore said in a letter to the EPA.
KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. โ A North Carolina lawmaker is asking for federal help to keep an eye on air quality near a planned lithium mine in the Kings Mountain area outside of Charlotte.
Congressman Tim Moore wrote a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency about a proposed open-pit mine near Kings Mountain, North Carolina.ย
His main concern is a gas called hydrogen sulfide that could be released when water is pumped out of the mine, he said.ย
While state officials say the gas levels are currently safe, Moore wants extra monitoring to make sure it stays that way. In his letter to EPA Acting Administrator Jane Nishida, he asked the agency to track these gas levels using their Clean Air Act powers.
โWhile I recognize the mineโs strategic importance, it is imperative to address the concerns of nearby residents and ensure their safety throughout the process,โ Moore said.
Albemarle Corporation, the company proposing to run the lithium mine, said it is going through several steps to make sure everything is up to standards.ย
The mine is seen as an important economic booster, as lithium is a crucial material used in batteries for electric cars and other devices. However, Moore stressed that protecting local residents must come first.
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