Mining companies digging up Scotland for rare earth minerals 'keeping locals in the dark'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Mining companies who want to drill Scotland for rare earth minerals are “keeping locals in the dark” about their plans, a new report has foundFriends of the Earth Scotland said firms were failing to engage communities as they explore areas for mining precious metals vital to the green transition.

Metals like lithium, cobalt and nickel have become some of the most in-demand materials on Earth as they are required to build renewable technologies.But the eco group warned mining firms are not consulting residents as they should be in places like Aberdeenshire, Dumfries and Galloway and the Highlands - and raised fears over future environmental damage.

The charity’s new research highlights one example in Arthrath, near Ellon in Aberdeenshire, where a local company, Aberdeen Minerals, has been conducting mining surveys for nickel, copper and cobalt.Aberdeen Minerals’ largest shareholder is Central Asia Metals PLC, which owns a lead and zinc mine in Macedonia where a dam failure in 2020 resulted in toxic river pollution.

New planning rules in Scotland require community engagement from companies planning projects “should be early, collaborative, meaningful and proportionate".But a local resident from Ellon, who wished to stay anonymous, told researchers: “[The community] don’t know what’s going on, and I think the council has a responsibility.