Mississippi Lime Company v. RJR Mining Company Inc

On January 15, 2026, Mississippi Lime Company, a leading producer of high-calcium lime, filed suit in federal court against RJR Mining Company Inc. The complaint alleged that RJR's nearby coal mining operations discharged acid mine drainage into shared groundwater and surface water systems, severely contaminating the limestone aquifer critical to Mississippi Lime's extraction and processing. The contamination forced multiple production shutdowns and required costly remediation, causing tens of millions in losses. Mississippi Lime asserted claims under the Clean Water Act, common law nuisance, and negligence, seeking injunctive relief and damages. The case highlights escalating conflicts between industrial mineral producers and mining operations over water resources.

As of June 2026, the court has issued a partial summary judgment finding RJR Mining liable for negligence and Clean Water Act violations. A jury trial on damages is scheduled for late 2026. In the interim, the court ordered RJR to install advanced water treatment systems and post a $50 million bond for potential damages.

Whether RJR Mining's activities directly caused the acid mine drainage contamination and thereby violated the Clean Water Act and state tort law, and whether the contamination constituted a permanent nuisance requiring ongoing remedial measures and compensation.

The case has intensified scrutiny on the environmental practices of legacy mining operations, prompting the EPA to accelerate proposed regulations on acid mine drainage. It also set a precedent for downstream industrial users seeking damages from upstream polluters, galvanizing industry associations to lobby for stricter enforcement and prompting insurers to reassess environmental liability policies.