Appeal Filed to Overturn Federal Approval of Rhyolite Ridge Lithium Mine

Environmental and Native American groups challenge decision to greenlight controversial Nevada project.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:07pm

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An abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric shapes, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, representing the complex geological and ecological systems at play in the Rhyolite Ridge region.A conceptual illustration depicting the intricate natural forces and cultural significance at the heart of the Rhyolite Ridge lithium mine dispute.Las Vegas Today

A coalition of environmental and Native American rights organizations has filed an appeal to a federal court ruling that upheld approvals for the Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron mine in Esmeralda County, Nevada. The groups claim the federal government's decision to approve the mine violated several key environmental laws and are seeking to overturn the approval before construction begins.

Why it matters

The proposed Rhyolite Ridge mine has sparked intense controversy due to its potential impacts on a rare wildflower species and Native American cultural sites in the area. The mine's approval has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over balancing the need for domestic lithium production to support the electric vehicle industry with protecting sensitive ecosystems and honoring indigenous land rights.

The details

The Center for Biological Diversity, Great Basin Resource Watch, and the Western Shoshone Defense Project filed the appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that the federal Bureau of Land Management's approval of the mine violated the National Environmental Policy Act, the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act, and the Endangered Species Act. The groups claim the mine would damage or destroy the habitat of Tiehm's buckwheat, a rare wildflower found only in the region, as well as dry up nearby springs that are culturally significant to the Western Shoshone people.

  • The Rhyolite Ridge mine received federal approval on October 24, 2024.
  • The environmental and Native American groups filed their lawsuit challenging the approval one week later, on October 31, 2024.

The players

Center for Biological Diversity

A non-profit environmental organization that has been at the forefront of efforts to protect Tiehm's buckwheat, a rare wildflower found only in the Rhyolite Ridge area.

Great Basin Resource Watch

A non-profit group focused on environmental protection and indigenous rights in the Great Basin region of the western United States.

Western Shoshone Defense Project

An organization representing the interests of the Western Shoshone people, who have cultural and spiritual ties to the lands around the proposed Rhyolite Ridge mine site.

Ioneer

The Australian mining company behind the Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project.

Bureau of Land Management

The federal agency that approved the Rhyolite Ridge mine permit, which is now being challenged in court.

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What they’re saying

“The federal government's approvals for this mine were flawed from the start. We're hopeful the appeals court will step in to block this mine before irreversible damage is done.”

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

“Large mines such as the proposed Rhyolite Ridge Mine are very damaging and effectively obliterate existing habitat.”

— John Hadder, Executive Director, Great Basin Resource Watch

“Ioneer has worked closely with state, federal and tribal representatives, as well as the Fish Lake Valley community, to responsibly develop the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project. We are confident the District Court decision will be affirmed on appeal.”

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

“Rhyolite Ridge is much more than one can see with the naked eye. Appreciation and relationship to the land comes from the heart. The connection and love we have for the land is derived through generations of ceremony, tradition and cultural sharing. Each day we face another scheme that undermines protections that took years to achieve.”

— Fermina Stevens, Director, Western Shoshone Defense Project

What’s next

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will now consider the appeal filed by the environmental and Native American groups, which seeks to overturn the federal approval of the Rhyolite Ridge lithium mine.

The takeaway

This legal battle over the Rhyolite Ridge mine highlights the ongoing tensions between the need for domestic lithium production to support the clean energy transition and the imperative to protect sensitive ecosystems and honor indigenous land rights. The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for how such projects are evaluated and approved in the future.