Westwater Resources, a Colorado-based mining and energy technology company, has applied for a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of an effort to develop a graphite mine in Coosa County. The company said it holds mineral rights on about 42,000 acres in the county and while the mineral has many uses, Westwater said it plans to supply graphite for use in lithium-ion batteries, such as those in electric vehicles and power grids.
Environmental groups are worried.
“It's going to threaten over a dozen threatened and endangered species," Justinn Overton, staff riverkeeper for Coosa Riverkeeper, an environmental non-profit, said. “We've got noise pollution, light pollution, blasting, degradation of our roads.”
She said while Westwater has offered few specifics about its proposal, the operation would include open pit mines and more than 60 sediment basins. Overton said the operation could cause deforestation, toxic pollution, and buildup of silt in creeks.
Overton, who’s worked with the Riverkeeper since 2012, said she understands the need for graphite and that some residents are excited about the tax revenue the mine could generate. But based on what she knows, the risks outweigh any benefit.
“The cumulative impact [on] water quality and ecological quality, outweighs 48 jobs at a processing facility,” Overton said.
While she said there may be a small number of other jobs generated by the operation, the advantages are “a lot less than the detriment that this would be to the quality of life for Coosa County residents.”
Before Westwater can begin operations, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would need to give the green light for Westwater to fill in wetlands and streams. However, Overton said, the Corps has sped through the permitting process, thus far.
To better understand the effects of the operation, the Riverkeeper is asking the Corps to host a hearing and do a full environmental impact study. According to Overton, Westwater has only submitted a one-page application that offers little information.
“We believe that the community deserves a little bit of time to understand this,” Overton said.
WBHM attempted to reach a spokesperson at Westwater, but did not immediately hear back.
How to comment on the plans
Residents can submit comments about the proposed Westwater project by emailing Samantha Rhoades with the Corps of Engineers. Comments should refer to the permit number — SAM-2025-00280-CMS.
Comments will be accepted through Sunday, July 26.
