Conservation groups sue to stop Nevada lithium mine over risks to rare wildflower

Conservationists and Native American advocates are challenging a lithium mine in Nevada, claiming it threatens the only known habitat of an endangered wildflower, Tiehm’s buckwheat, as well as culturally significant lands.

Scott Sonner reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

• Conservationists and Native American advocates, including the Center for Biological Diversity, are suing to prevent the Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron mine from endangering the habitat of Tiehm’s buckwheat, an endangered desert plant.
• The lawsuit argues that the mine disrupts sacred sites and groundwater flows, alleging the U.S. Interior Department’s approval disregards the plant’s protected status and biodiversity laws.
• Mining company Ioneer Ltd. plans to proceed, stating the project underwent thorough permitting and will not significantly impact the plant’s habitat, despite projected losses of critical land.

Key quote:

“One cannot save the planet from climate change while simultaneously destroying biodiversity.”

— Fermina Stevens, director of the Western Shoshone Defense Project

Why this matters:

The project highlights a growing tension between clean energy efforts and biodiversity preservation. Lithium mining, essential for electric vehicles and solar technology, often clashes with conservation priorities, posing hard choices about balancing renewable energy goals with environmental protections.

Read more: A Nevada community fights lithium mine to protect rare fish and water resources