Lake Mitchell residents are circulating a petition to try to halt a strip mine proposal

July 25, 2026 - ROCKFORD, Ala. - Environmentalists and Lake Mitchell residents are concerned about a proposal to strip mine 1100 acres on Weoguka Creek that feeds Lake Mitchell and are circulating a petition to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeking to block the project.

Governor Kay Ivey (R) and the state of Alabama have made strip mining much of Coosa County for graphite a key economic development initiative and this proposed mine is part of that effort.

"We can be proud that this important ingredient in producing EV batteries is being produced here in the United States, but also here in Sweet Home Alabama."

Gov. Ivey made this remark came during her February 4, 2022 announcement of a $1 million state grant supporting Alabama Graphite Products, which will process graphite mined in western Coosa County for use in lithium‑ion batteries.

The Southern Environmental Law Center said in a recent statement, "An open pit mining operation threatens to scour more than 1,100 acres of forest in Coosa County, Alabama. This mine would be next door to Lake Mitchell, the historic Pinhoti Trail, Coosa Wildlife Management Area, and Weogufka Creek."

The proposed mine is owned by a Colorado based company – Westwater Resources - that will be digging for graphite at this site for at least 20 years.

"Mine blasting and forest destruction would harm landscapes, destroy streams, and disturb wildlife," the Southern Environmental Law Center wrote. "This type of mine would also store on site acid generating waste with a history of contaminating ground and surface water."

Lake Mitchell residents and Coosa Riverkeepers are concerned that the mine may harm water quality, disrupt their lives, and be an eyesore that will decrease property values.

State officials are eager for jobs, economic growth, and increased tax dollars from the mining of the rare earth minerals that are needed to make the EV batteries for the new electric cars.

"This mine is too great a risk for Coosa County," the Southern Environmental Law Center continued. "Join us and tell the Army Corps of Engineers that before even considering this destructive project, there must be a full environmental analysis and public hearings so Alabamians can voice their concerns and be clear-eyed about the project's long-term environmental and safety risks."

The residents and Southern Environmental Law Center are sending the petition to Samantha Rhoades at the Army Corps of Engineers.

Westwater Resources has acquired the mineral rights to 41,965 acres in Coosa County.

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