In push to supply Tesla, Piedmont Lithium irks North Carolina neighbors [View all]

GASTON COUNTY, N.C., July 20 (Reuters) - In its quest to build one of the largest lithium mines in the United States, Piedmont Lithium Inc (PLL.O) has overlooked one crucial constituency: its North Carolina neighbors.

Piedmont last autumn signed a deal to supply U.S. electric automaker Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) with lithium sourced from its deposits in North Carolina, sending the company's stock up tenfold.

Piedmont has also hired investment banks to find investors for its $840 million project, which would include an open-air pit more than 500 feet (152 m) deep and facilities to produce lithium-based electric vehicle (EV) battery chemicals.

The company, however, has not applied for a state mining permit or a necessary zoning variance in Gaston County, just west of Charlotte, despite telling investors since 2018 that it was on the verge of doing so.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/push-supply-tesla-piedmont-lithium-irks-north-carolina-neighbors-2021-07-20/