Biden Administration Approves Ioneer's Rhyolite Ridge Lithium Mine in Nevada to Boost EV Battery Supply

Oct 24, 2024, 08:07 PM

The Biden administration has approved the construction of a new lithium-boron mine in southwestern Nevada, operated by Australian mining company Ioneer. This project, known as the Rhyolite Ridge mine, marks the first lithium mine approval under the Biden administration and is part of a broader strategy to reduce U.S. reliance on China for critical minerals needed for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The mine is expected to significantly boost the domestic supply of lithium, a key component in EV batteries, and power approximately 370,000 EVs. However, the approval has faced opposition from conservationists due to potential harm to the endangered Tiehm’s buckwheat, a rare wildflower found in the area. Despite these environmental concerns, federal officials have determined that the mine can coexist with the endangered species. Conservationists have vowed to continue their legal battle to protect the wildflower. This is one of two huge mines planned in Nevada to boost EV batteries.