Inexperience
Inexperience is a core tenet of our resistance.
Westwin Elements is an inexperienced startup company. When the city of Lawton granted Westwin millions of government dollars, they were partnered with CVMR, a parent company carrying the money, experience and technical expertise. Westwin and CVMR split in August of 2023, meaning the current team of Westwin Elements has been working together for roughly 6 months.
Westwin Elements has also repeatedly stated they will benefit the Lawton economy by bringing new jobs. The initial proposal for a “Large-Scale Refinery” claimed that 2,335 jobs would be created. The city of Lawton justifies their support for Westwin elements by claiming it will bring these “high-paying jobs.” However, this estimate was later revised down to 735 jobs and now they’re most recent pilot plant proposal calls for only 85 jobs by 2026. Even with this measly job total, there is no guarantee that Westwin will hire people from the city of Lawton.
Westwin Elements has been proven untrustworthy. We do not trust this unqualified group to respect our sovereignty and keep our people safe.
Westwin Elements CEO: KaLeigh Long
Westwin Elements Lies, Displaying Ficticious IRMA Certificate.
Westwin Elements’ company website currently states they are IRMA certified. IRMA disagrees.
IRMA (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance) is an internationally recognized voluntary program to evaluate and improve mining operations.
Mine sites that choose to invest in an IRMA assessment have their environmental and social performance measured by independant audit teams. An IRMA assessment has over 400 requirements, including human rights, air and water quality, occupational health and safety, financial security, and community contribution and investment.
Westwin Elements lists IRMA certification on their website; however, after further inquiry with IRMA, they stated that Westwin is not on their list of companies with IRMA certification.
WHERE IS THE INTEGRITY?
Transparency Win! After pressure from Westwin Resistance, Westwin Elements removed their false IRMA certification from their website.
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