In an update from Arkansas Business, lithium companies in southern Arkansas have won part of their fight about royalties with mineral owners. But the fight is far from over.
The publication reported that according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, an administrative law judge indicated he will come down in support of the lithium companies on one issue. The issue is whether the companies’ joint application for a royalty rate violated the state’s Administrative Procedures Act, something alleged by the mineral rights holders. The judge indicated he believes the application did not violate the Act.
But the ALJ also turned aside a motion to quash a subpoena asking for information the companies claimed could not be released for antitrust reasons.
A possible hearing on the growing fight is set for early November.