Listened to the news report. Does seem like there are actually concerned citizens in this case. It also sounds like they are very under-informed about the impact for their community. You can hear it in their words. Sound really is the only valid concern I can see. That seems very solvable to me. Everything else sounds like nonsense. Water, electricity, and toxic ....

Water cracks me up. As someone from a drought ridden state Arkansas does not have water issues. If you bring in a mining op you are improving your energy situation, not making it worse. The power company now has a buyer of last resort. Toxic whatever... well I've never heard of a mining op having any toxic waste. If the do, I'm sure their county has laws that can be enforced.

Sounds like you have a small community that has been propagandized against mining by politicians and the media to me.