In a significant advancement for the nation’s critical minerals supply chain, Acting Deputy Secretary of the Interior Laura Daniel-Davis and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Dr. Steve Feldgus joined Bureau of Land Management (BLM) leaders in Reno, Nevada, to announce the approval of the Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron mining project. This initiative could provide enough lithium to power nearly 370,000 electric vehicles annually.
Situated in the Silver Peak Range of southern Nevada, the project will incorporate essential protections for the local ecosystem while creating numerous job opportunities in engineering, construction, science,and technology for the local community and Tribal members.
The BLM’s Record of Decision endorses the preferred alternative outlined in the final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), released in September. This assessment included extensive protections for the endangered Tiehm’s buckwheat, the only known populations of which are found within the project area. Collaborating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the BLM has implemented measures such as redesigning project features, funding propagation work for the plant, and developing a dedicated protection plan.
The BLM worked closely with the State of Nevada, Tribal and local governments, and stakeholders to evaluate potential impacts, particularly to cultural resources. Consultations included various Tribal groups, ensuring a thorough assessment of the development’s implications.
Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis stated, “We have moved quickly to build a robust and sustainable clean energy economy that will create jobs to support families, boost local economies, and help address environmental injustice. The Rhyolite Ridge lithium mine project is essential to advancing the clean energy transition and powering the economy of the future.”
Critical minerals are vital for modern technologies, ranging from electric vehicle batteries to semiconductors and defense systems. As the clean energy economy expands, demand for these minerals is projected to rise significantly.
BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning emphasized, “Our goal is to safeguard the health of public lands while delivering critical minerals to our nation. This project will supply lithium that will power our clean energy future.”
The Rhyolite Ridge project is expected to employ up to 500 workers during construction and around 350 during operations, generating approximately $125 million in annual wages. The company is also committed to investing in the local community through job training programs and scholarship opportunities.
In addition to lithium, the project will produce significant quantities of boron, essential in various industries, including glass, ceramics, and semiconductors.
The approval of the Record of Decision marks the final step in the National Environmental Policy Act process, which evaluates the environmental effects of proposed federal actions.
