A €1 billion lithium mining project in France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is causing local controversy, with public debates revealing a divide among residents over environmental concerns and the project's necessity. Imerys aims to supply lithium for electric vehicle batteries, but locals worry about water contamination and energy use. The French government has labeled the project as a 'project of major national interest' to expedite approval, despite ongoing public skepticism and calls for more transparency.