Federal Judge Approves Nevada Lithium Mine Despite Conservationists' Concerns

The $2 billion Rhyolite Ridge Lithium/Boron Mine Project aims to produce materials for electric vehicle batteries and other products.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:18am

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A federal judge in Nevada has ruled in favor of a lithium-boron mining project, rejecting conservationists' concerns that it would harm an endangered wildflower called Tiehm's buckwheat. The 11-square-mile Rhyolite Ridge Mine, owned by Australia-based Ioneer, holds one of the world's largest lithium and boron deposits outside of Turkey. The judge found that Ioneer's mitigation efforts, including fencing and buffer zones, were sufficient to protect the buckwheat's habitat.

Why it matters

The Rhyolite Ridge Mine is seen as a critical domestic source of lithium, a key component of electric vehicle batteries, as the U.S. aims to reduce reliance on foreign materials and processing. However, conservationists argue the project threatens the entire population of the rare Tiehm's buckwheat, which could have broader implications for endangered species protections.

The details

The $2 billion Rhyolite Ridge Lithium/Boron Mine Project in Esmeralda County, Nevada would cover 11 square miles and produce enough lithium carbonate for around 400,000 electric vehicles. It would also produce boric acid used in various products. Ioneer, the Australian company behind the project, plans to start construction by the end of 2026 and begin production in 2029, though it is still seeking a financial partner after a major investor pulled out last year. The Biden administration previously approved the project as part of its clean energy agenda, and the Trump administration also supported lithium mining in Nevada.

  • The federal judge ruled in favor of the project on March 31, 2026.
  • Ioneer aims to start construction by the end of 2026 and begin production in 2029.
  • In January 2025, the Department of Energy finalized a nearly $1 billion loan for the Rhyolite Ridge project.

The players

Ioneer

The Australia-based company that owns the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium/Boron Mine Project.

Tiehm's buckwheat

A rare endangered wildflower whose entire population grows within 10 acres of the Rhyolite Ridge project area.

Center for Biological Diversity

An environmental group that has fought to protect Tiehm's buckwheat and is considering appealing the court ruling.

U.S. District Judge Cristina Silva

The Biden-nominated federal judge who ruled in favor of the Rhyolite Ridge project.

Patrick Donnelly

The Great Basin Director for the Center for Biological Diversity, who argues the mining project will increase the risk of the wildflower going extinct.

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What they’re saying

“Rhyolite Ridge will create hundreds of new American jobs, reduce reliance on foreign materials and processing, and provide a domestic source of two critical minerals.”

— Chad Yeftich, Vice President of Corporate Development and External Affairs, Ioneer

“This can seem like a little remote flower in the middle of nowhere. But if we lose on Tiehm's buckwheat, you know, what else are we facing with the whittling away of the Endangered Species Act?”

— Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin Director, Center for Biological Diversity

What’s next

The Center for Biological Diversity is considering appealing the court ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that the case could have implications for other endangered species and protected habitats.

The takeaway

The Rhyolite Ridge lithium mine project highlights the tension between developing critical domestic mineral resources for clean energy and protecting endangered species and their habitats. The outcome of any appeal could set an important precedent for how the Endangered Species Act is applied to future mining and infrastructure projects.