Posted on Jun 29, 2023
Western tribes' last ditch effort to stall a large lithium mine in Nevada
618
16
4
7
7
0
https://www.npr.org/2023/06/28/ [login to see] /western-tribes-last-ditch-effort-to-stall-a-large-lithium-mine-in-nevada
The fate of what would be the largest lithium mine in the U.S. on federal land in Nevada is now in the hands of a federal appeals court.
It's the latest development in a more than two year legal battle over a plan by the Canadian firm, Lithium Nevada, to build an open pit mine near Thacker Pass, along a remote stretch of sagebrush-studded land close to the Nevada-Oregon border.
Initial construction has already begun on the mine after a district court ruling earlier this year upheld a federal plan permitting it. It would become one of the first major domestic sources of lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries. But the roughly nine square mile mine would also be on land considered sacred by some Native people.
Activists from western tribes packed a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals courtroom Tuesday, some wearing traditional regalia, while others stood outside praying and singing.
The fate of what would be the largest lithium mine in the U.S. on federal land in Nevada is now in the hands of a federal appeals court.
It's the latest development in a more than two year legal battle over a plan by the Canadian firm, Lithium Nevada, to build an open pit mine near Thacker Pass, along a remote stretch of sagebrush-studded land close to the Nevada-Oregon border.
Initial construction has already begun on the mine after a district court ruling earlier this year upheld a federal plan permitting it. It would become one of the first major domestic sources of lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries. But the roughly nine square mile mine would also be on land considered sacred by some Native people.
Activists from western tribes packed a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals courtroom Tuesday, some wearing traditional regalia, while others stood outside praying and singing.
Western tribes' last ditch effort to stall a large lithium mine in Nevada
Posted from npr.org
Mining and Metals
Native Americans
Posted 10 mo ago
Responses: 4
4
4
0
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Arland Melendez, chair of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, acknowledged it's looking less likely tribes are going to be able stop or even delay the lithium mine for more studies of its cultural impacts.
"We want her to come out here at least to explain to the tribes as to what she can do besides remaining silent on it," Melendez said.
Melendez's tribe has filed a separate federal lawsuit alleging that federal land managers did not properly consult with area tribes before greenlighting the lithium mine. A ruling in the Ninth Circuit case is expected later this summer."...
..."Arland Melendez, chair of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, acknowledged it's looking less likely tribes are going to be able stop or even delay the lithium mine for more studies of its cultural impacts.
"We want her to come out here at least to explain to the tribes as to what she can do besides remaining silent on it," Melendez said.
Melendez's tribe has filed a separate federal lawsuit alleging that federal land managers did not properly consult with area tribes before greenlighting the lithium mine. A ruling in the Ninth Circuit case is expected later this summer."...
(4)
(0)
3
3
0
Reminds me of an old (70's) bumper sticker:
EARTH FIRST!
We'll F**k-up the rest of the planets later.
EARTH FIRST!
We'll F**k-up the rest of the planets later.
(3)
(0)
2
2
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google