Community backlash grows as NDAs cloud Westwin Elements refinery talks

Some Richmond Hill and Bryan County officials may be limited in what they can publicly say about a proposed nickel refinery after entering non-disclosure agreements with Westwin Elements. The disclosure has intensified anger and distrust among residents already opposed to the project.

WTOC Investigates obtained records through an Open Records Request to the City of Richmond Hill seeking copies of any NDAs signed by the city, mayor or city council members. The city provided an unsigned template titled “Westwin Elements blank NDA,” leaving it unclear which officials, if any, are bound by the agreement.

The uncertainty has fueled community outrage, with residents questioning whether elected leaders can speak freely about a project many have criticized for potential environmental and health impacts. At recent public meetings, residents accused local governments of lacking transparency and limiting public input.

A similar records request was sent to the Development Authority of Bryan County, but no documents have been released so far.

The NDA restricts signatories from discussing confidential information with anyone who has not also signed the agreement. It also prohibits disclosure of negotiations or even confirmation that negotiations are taking place without written consent from Westwin. The agreement allows the company to require confidential materials to be returned or destroyed and specifies Oklahoma as the venue for legal disputes.

WTOC has not obtained a signed copy of the NDA, and it remains unclear which city or county officials are subject to its terms.

Meanwhile, the Bryan County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. as public scrutiny of the project continues.