Sarah Liese (Twilla)

The Westwin Elements nickel refinery in Lawton, Oklahoma is trying to provide a domestic source for critical minerals. KOSU’s Sarah Liese highlights what is at stake for Westwin Elements, as they work to secure the mineral supply chain, and the tribal nations who oppose it.

Last week, we reported on a nickel refinery in Oklahoma that is built on the historic reservation of the Kiowa, Comanche and Apache tribal nations. But the refinery is operating without consent, which brings up questions of tribal sovereignty.