A proposed lithium-boron mine in Nevada is causing concerns for an endangered wildflower species. The Bureau of Land Management has released the final environmental impact statement for the project, which has not changed much from the draft. The company behind the mine claims it is environmentally responsible, while environmentalists argue that it poses a threat to a federally endangered plant species that is unique to the area.
The project, led by Ioneer, aims to mine enough lithium to power around 370,000 electric vehicles over its 23-year lifespan. The company has made some operational changes to reduce the impact on the endangered wildflower’s habitat from 40-50% to 21%. CEO Bernard Rowe believes that these modifications show extensive consultation and improvement of the project.
The U.S. Department of Energy has provided a $700 million conditional loan to Ioneer, highlighting the importance of establishing a domestic lithium supply chain for electric vehicle batteries. The project also plans to harvest boron, which will help stabilize profits in a fluctuating global mineral economy.
Nevada’s rich lithium deposits make it an attractive location for mining. The University of Nevada, Reno has been designated as a federal Tech Hub to oversee the entire lithium production process within the state, from mining to battery recycling.
Despite efforts to protect the endangered wildflower, Tiehm’s buckwheat, concerns remain. Patrick Donnelly from the Center for Biological Diversity has been a vocal advocate for the plant’s protection. While the Fish and Wildlife Service’s biological opinion states that the mine will not jeopardize the species, critics like Donnelly argue that the decision is based on flawed science.
Ioneer has proposed a greenhouse to cultivate seeds of Tiehm’s buckwheat, but skepticism remains about the effectiveness of this plan. Donnelly is considering legal action to challenge the Interior Department’s decision, which he believes violates environmental laws.
The public comment period for the project will close on October 21st. Those interested in submitting comments can find instructions on the Bureau of Land Management’s website. The debate between mining interests and environmental conservation efforts continues as Nevada navigates its path towards lithium production.
