TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) - University of Alabama system students are planning to protest until President Robert Witt can make some promises. First, to publicly condemn the Shepherd Bend mine and second, to pledge to never sell or lease the land or minerals currently owned by the university for the purpose of mining. According to protesters, the Shepherd Bend mine issue has been making some favorable progress. Members of the University of Alabama chapter of the NAACP say that President Witt issued a response to the NAACP saying that any concerned environmental groups or citizens could be invited to a meeting with the University before a decision would be made about selling or leasing the university-owned land. The University of Alabama has not made many comments about the Shepherd Bend mine issue, and many protesters see this response as a small victory. However, for many, the possibility of a meeting is not enough.
Student protesters say they consider the Shepherd Bend Mine to be a bad idea that does not even deserve consideration. They view the University of Alabama as way to block the mine, which has received a permit from ADEM. Black Warrior Riverkeepers are currently in the process of suing ADEM over that mining permit. Environmetal agencies claim that the mine, which is close to a Birmingham drinking water source, could create unhealthy water condiitons and raise water bills.
The University of Alabama has consistently maintained that they have not committed to selling or leasing the land, nor have they been approached to sell or lease the land for mining purposes.
