Dozens of residents gathered at American Legion Post 311 to oppose a proposed limestone mine in Piedmont, saying the state approved the project without notifying local homeowners or city officials.
According to residents, Simon Contractors, a French‑owned, Wyoming‑based mining company, received state approval to mine limestone on 10 parcels in and around Piedmont. Many of the properties sit inside city limits or border the community’s western edge. Neighbors raised concerns about air and water quality, noise, pollution, declining property values, and impacts to the area’s scenery.
Under current law, companies must obtain a mining permit, but lawmakers say regulations for limestone operations are limited. District 29 Rep. Kathy Rice said legislators are reviewing those rules, noting that larger mines face stricter requirements.
State Sen. John Carley urged residents to stay engaged, saying community involvement is essential as the project moves forward.
The proposed mining operation would run through December 2043.
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