A federal judge in Nevada has ruled against conservation groups seeking to block the Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron mine in Esmeralda County over concerns it would harm the endangered Tiehm’s buckwheat.
U.S. District Judge Cristina Silva found the federal government properly approved the project and adequately considered impacts on the rare wildflower, which grows in a small area within the mine site. The ruling is a legal victory for developer Ioneer, which plans a $2 billion mine expected to begin production in 2029 and produce lithium for hundreds of thousands of electric vehicles annually.
Environmental groups said they are considering an appeal, arguing the project threatens the species’ survival. The mine has federal support, including a nearly $1 billion Energy Department loan, and is one of Nevada’s largest critical minerals developments.
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