MAINE MONITOR • April 23, 2023
A bill prompted by the discovery of a world-class lithium deposit in Newry would dramatically change Maine law to allow mining of metals in open pits of any size, with up to 100 acres actively mined at any time. Developers would have to prove they won’t generate acid mine drainage or harm water before mining begins. The bill, backed by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, would significantly relax current law that limits open-pit metal mines to three acres. Allowing larger open pit mines would also crack open the door to extracting the lithium deposit in Newry, said Melanie Loyzim, the state DEP commissioner, while retaining protections embedded in the state’s strict mining law. Several conservation groups support the bill, although others are opposed to any changes that would relax the state’s strict mining laws.