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A group of concerned homeowners are hoping to increase the buffer zone between their homes and Liberty Mine. Pictured here an active section of the mine in Warrick County.
Brock Turner/WFIU-WTIU NewsA legal battle between the small, southwestern town of Boonville and international aluminum producer Alcoa will continue. They’re fighting over how far mine blasting operations should be from homes.
City leaders passed an ordinance last year that banned mining within three miles of Boonville.
Alcoa filed an emergency appeal this week with the Indiana Court of Appeals after a judge found the city possessed the right to restrict mining outside of its limits in order to protect infrastructure.
Mayor Charlie Wyatt (D-Boonville) says he’s not against mining, and welcomes the economic activity that comes with it. But, he says the city has to protect its citizens.
“It’s very expensive," Wyatt says. "We are the David versus the Goliath in this, make no mistake about that. But, we’re going to stand up for what we think harms our city and our citizens."
In a statement, a spokesperson for Alcoa says the company is trying to find common ground with the city and its residents.
It's unclear when or if Indiana’s Court of Appeals will hear the case.
56A Transfer by Indiana Public Media News on Scribd
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