The Lithium Mine and Hurricane Helene: A Repeat of the Lahaina...

The Lithium Mine and Hurricane Helene: A Repeat of the Lahaina Playbook?

A Tiktok video by @scarletopinions has brought the attention of Vanguards plans through Piedmont Lithium and I am going to connect the dots to Lahaina.

@scarletopinions said the following in there TikTok Video :

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8RvEejT/

"Piedmont lithium a company hell bent on mining lithium the key element in electric vehicle batteries has been fighting tooth and nail for years to reopen a lithium mine in Gaston County North Carolina the only thing that stood in their way the residents and just like that hurricane Helene comes in Barling and decimates the entire area when was the last time this region was hit by a hurricane this area is tucked away safely behind the Appalachian Mountains a natural barrier that hasn't let a hurricane through and over 100 50 years yeah Gaston County the same place where the locals have been pushing back against the mining suddenly becomes Ground Zero for a catastrophic hurricane and it gets better OK just a few months ago Piedmont lithium secured a state approved mining permit yeah and if you want to Fact Check that you can look it up yourself on the North Carolina Department of Environmental qualities website the ink is barely dry on the permit and let's not forget that in 2021 there wasn't an executive order that was signed requiring that 50% of all vehicles sold in the US by 20-30 which is not that far away the electric and electric vehicles need lithium and pivot has been salivating over this land for years now just as they finally get the green light to mine a freak hurricane takes out one obstacle that's in their path coincidence OK that's really look at what team is doing it looks less like a natural disaster and more like a strategic clearing of the board"

Thank you for sharing and bringing the attention to what we definitely need to know

key points from the video regarding Piedmont Lithium and their efforts to develop a lithium mine in Gaston County, North Carolina:

- Piedmont Lithium's Mining Plans:

- Piedmont Lithium has been working for years to reopen a lithium mine in Gaston County, a critical area for lithium used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries​( WCNC )​( MINING.COM ).

- After extensive regulatory reviews and community opposition, the company finally received a state mining permit in April 2024​( WCNC )​( WCNC ).

- Community Opposition:

- Local residents in Gaston County have long opposed the mine, citing environmental concerns such as water contamination and its impact on the surrounding ecosystem​( WCNC )​( MINING.COM ).

- Despite protests, the company has pushed forward, promising significant economic benefits, including job creation and contributions to the U.S. EV battery supply chain​( MINING.COM )​( Business NC ).

- Hurricane Helene's Impact:

- The video implies a connection between Hurricane Helene, which hit the region, and the mining project, suggesting that the hurricane "conveniently" cleared obstacles in Piedmont's path. The area had not been hit by a hurricane in over 150 years, raising suspicions of a coincidental alignment of natural disaster and corporate interests​( WCNC ).

- This narrative builds on the timing of the hurricane, following the company's permit approval, though no direct evidence links the two​( WCNC ).

- Executive Orders and EV Demand:

- The video references a 2021 executive order requiring 50% of all vehicles sold in the U.S. by 2030 to be electric, increasing demand for lithium​( WCNC )​( MINING.COM ).

- Piedmont Lithium has been pursuing this land for years, with their project aimed at meeting the surging lithium demand for EVs​( WCNC ).

These points present the video’s narrative, suggesting a series of coincidences between regulatory approvals, natural disasters, and the broader demand for lithium, critical for the future of EVs.

Hawaii Key Information:

The corporation behind the "smart city" project in Hawaii, particularly on Maui, is largely associated with Hitachi and its JUMPSmartMaui initiative. This project was developed as a collaboration between Hitachi, the State of Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, and various U.S. national laboratories. It aimed to demonstrate advanced smart grid technologies and increase the use of renewable energy through the integration of electric vehicles and other innovations. The goal was to reduce Hawaii's dependence on fossil fuels and support its renewable energy transition​(

ReHack )​( Social Innovation ).

The project partners include Hitachi, the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), and local institutions like the University of Hawaii. These efforts reflect Hawaii's broader goal to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2045​(

Social Innovation ).

If you’re interested in more details about the ownership structure of specific entities within the smart city initiative, the primary corporate stakeholders like Hitachi are leading the technological development, while local and state governments play significant roles in policy and implementation.

In a striking parallel to the recent wildfire disaster in Lahaina, Hurricane Helene has seemingly cleared the way for Piedmont Lithium , a company heavily invested in the development of lithium mines, to push forward with its controversial mining project in Gaston County, North Carolina . The timing of the disaster has raised questions about whether powerful institutional investors, such as Vanguard , are again positioning themselves to benefit from rebuilding efforts, similar to their involvement in other disaster-stricken areas.

Hurricane Helene's Impact: Clearing the Obstacles

Hurricane Helene, which hit the region hard, is unusual in that this part of North Carolina has not been significantly affected by hurricanes for more than 150 years, thanks to the protection of the Appalachian Mountains . Yet, in a twist of fate, this storm has devastated the very area where local residents have long resisted Piedmont Lithium's plans to reopen a lithium mine. The destruction caused by the hurricane has, in effect, removed many of the local obstacles to the company's ambitions​( WCNC ).

This situation mirrors the aftermath of the Lahaina wildfires , where families displaced by the disaster struggled to rebuild, opening the door for corporations and investors to step in. In Hawaii, Vanguard has been a major player, indirectly influencing the rebuilding process through its investments in real estate, infrastructure, and development companies. In both cases, we see the financial might of large institutional investors shaping the future of the affected lands​( West Hawaii Today )​( Maui Now ).

Vanguard's Role in Lithium Mining

Vanguard's involvement in this unfolding story is significant, as they are one of the largest institutional holders in companies like Piedmont Lithium . Just as in Hawaii, where Vanguard's influence is seen in the redevelopment efforts post-wildfire, their financial backing is driving forward the controversial lithium mine project in North Carolina. Piedmont Lithium has been fighting for years to reopen the mine, citing the increasing demand for lithium as electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent due to U.S. federal mandates for cleaner energy​(

MarketBeat )​( WiseSheets ).

In both disasters, the actions of institutional investors like Vanguard highlight how large-scale crises often pave the way for corporate interests to reshape landscapes, frequently at the expense of local communities. Whether through rebuilding efforts in Hawaii or new mining operations in North Carolina, the common denominator is the leveraging of disaster recovery for corporate gain.

A Strategic Takeover of Land?

The timing of both Hurricane Helene and the fires in Lahaina raises concerns about whether these disasters are being used, intentionally or otherwise, to facilitate the transfer of land ownership from individual residents to corporate entities. In Hawaii, it has been projected that up to 20% of properties in Lahaina could change hands over the next three years due to financial hardship and the difficulty of rebuilding​(

Governor Josh Green, M.D. ). Similarly, in North Carolina, residents displaced or financially burdened by the effects of Hurricane Helene may face pressure to sell their land, especially as companies like Piedmont Lithium ramp up their operations.

In both instances, it is clear that the rebuilding efforts , while ostensibly aimed at restoring normalcy, may also serve to consolidate corporate control over valuable resources like land and, in the case of North Carolina, lithium , a key element in the future of energy production and EV manufacturing.

Conclusion: A Repeating Cycle?

The patterns observed in both Hawaii and North Carolina reveal a troubling cycle: disaster strikes, institutional investors and corporations step in to "help" with the rebuilding, and in the process, the land and resources end up in the hands of those with financial power. Vanguard , with its deep pockets and extensive reach, plays a central role in these situations, acting through the companies they back to capitalize on post-disaster opportunities.

As we witness these events unfold, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the long-term consequences of disaster recovery, particularly when the very communities affected are at risk of being displaced permanently. Whether through wildfires or hurricanes, the people who call these places home deserve to be at the forefront of the rebuilding process, not sidelined by corporate interests.

Vanguard is not directly mentioned as a lead in the lithium mining project in Gaston County, North Carolina. However, as a significant institutional investor in companies like Piedmont Lithium , Vanguard's financial influence indirectly supports such large-scale industrial projects. Piedmont Lithium has received a state mining permit to develop a lithium mine in the Carolina Tin-Spodumene Belt , but it still faces local opposition due to environmental concerns.

The project aims to contribute to the growing demand for lithium, driven by the electric vehicle (EV) industry, and promises economic benefits to the region, including job creation and billions in economic output. Vanguard, through its holdings, helps fund companies like Piedmont that are critical to the global EV supply chain and energy storage solutions​(

WFAE )​( WCNC )​( Nasdaq ).

The situation in Gaston County bears similarities to post-disaster recovery scenarios, such as in Lahaina, Hawaii , where institutional investors and corporations often gain influence over land and development decisions after a crisis. In both instances, local communities express concerns about displacement and environmental impacts, while corporate interests push forward under the guise of economic development. The intersection of corporate investment and environmental disaster recovery is becoming a recurring pattern, with long-term implications for land ownership and local communities.

If Piedmont proceeds as planned, Gaston County may see a similar transition, with long-term residents potentially losing land or being displaced by the economic forces driving the lithium mine project. This reflects the broader trend of institutional investors like Vanguard shaping the future of communities affected by industrial development and disasters.

Land Lost to Disasters and Rebuilding: A Look at Hawaii, Wildfires, and Corporate Influence

Introduction:

As disasters strike, whether natural or exacerbated by human factors, the aftermath often reveals a stark reality: land, once belonging to families and communities, changes hands. In both the wildfire-ravaged town of Lahaina, Hawaii, and the push for corporate-led development in other regions, a similar narrative unfolds. In the midst of rebuilding efforts, many displaced people find it difficult to return to their homes. Amid this, institutional players like Vanguard and large private equity firms are often involved, directly or indirectly influencing the future of these lands.

Connecting the Dots: Lahaina and Corporate Interests

After the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, a significant portion of the town was destroyed. The fire, which killed over 100 people, displaced 12,000 residents and led to the destruction of approximately 3,971 properties , the majority being homes​(

Governor Josh Green, M.D. ). Recovery efforts have been slow, and as rebuilding plans take shape, concerns over land ownership have emerged. Experts estimate that 6.5% of residential properties could change hands within the first year after the disaster, with that number possibly rising to 20% in three years , totaling over $360 million in property transactions ​( West Hawaii Today ).

This gradual loss of land ownership can be attributed to several factors. Families, facing financial pressures and the complexities of rebuilding, may find themselves unable to afford the process. In the meantime, corporations, investment groups, and even private equity firms have become interested in land that once belonged to individuals.

Corporate Involvement: The Role of Vanguard

In cases like these, Vanguard and other institutional investors may be involved indirectly through their holdings in companies that are part of the recovery and rebuilding process. For example, large asset management firms like Vanguard often invest in industries tied to real estate development, construction, and infrastructure. These firms can influence the direction of rebuilding efforts, particularly when public and private sectors collaborate on recovery initiatives.

This dynamic is not limited to Hawaii. Similar land shifts have been observed in other disaster zones, where institutional players capitalize on the vulnerabilities left in the wake of devastation. While these corporations may not be the primary actors displacing residents, their financial influence on the companies leading rebuilding efforts is undeniable. These corporate players often benefit from land sales as property values rise in the aftermath of redevelopment, leaving displaced residents struggling to reclaim their homes.

Displacement as a Pattern: The Comparison with Other Disasters

This land displacement is not unique to Lahaina. Across the United States and the world, there is a trend where corporations seize opportunities to take over land in the aftermath of disaster recovery. We’ve seen similar outcomes in areas hit by hurricanes, wildfires, and other environmental catastrophes.

In California's fire-stricken regions , for instance, similar patterns of displacement have been observed. Corporate interests have surged in fire-ravaged areas, as homes become too expensive to rebuild for the original owners, while developers and investors swoop in to acquire prime land at lower costs​(

West Hawaii Today ).

Furthermore, the proposed "smart city" initiatives in Hawaii also present a controversial path forward. While some see the integration of cutting-edge technology as a positive step for the island, others view it as a corporate-driven effort to displace locals and gentrify traditional lands. Companies like Hitachi are already involved in rebuilding projects that will reshape the landscape. However, there is concern that the true cost of this advancement will be borne by the displaced residents who may never regain ownership​(

Civil Beat )​( mauinews.com ).

Conclusion: Corporate Influence in the Wake of Tragedy

The wildfire in Lahaina is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities that disasters create. Unfortunately, many families may not only lose their homes but their land as well, especially as institutional investors and corporations like Vanguard have significant sway in the rebuilding efforts. The intersection of corporate interests, disaster recovery, and real estate development raises important questions about who truly benefits in the long run and whether the affected communities will ever fully recover.

As we watch the rebuilding of Lahaina, we must also remain vigilant in holding accountable the corporations and investors involved, ensuring that the people who have called these lands home for generations are not left out of the future.

Sources:

- Maui News : ( West Hawaii Today )ps://www.westhawai​( Maui Now )ews/rebuilding-begins-in-lahaina-wildfire-im​( Governor Josh Green, M.D. )i Land Trust Report]​( Civil Beat )-30-rebuilding-permits-have-been-issued-after-the-fire-heres-how-some-lahaina-homeowners-did-it/)

- Governor of Hawaii - Recovery Plan : Maui Wildfire Recovery Phases

- Civil Beat : Planning for Lahaina's Rebuild

Do we have a foreign occupation in America? Who is this foreign Adversary?? Follow the destruction and money.