BLM Grants Final Approval to Nevada Lithium Mine, Threatening Biodiversity, Cultural Landscapes – Center for Biological Diversity

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Approves Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Mine

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has given final approval to the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Mine, despite the significant threats it poses to biodiversity, cultural landscapes, and water resources.

Threats to Biodiversity and Cultural Heritage

Scientists have warned that the Rhyolite Ridge Mine would drive the rare wildflower Tiehm’s buckwheat to extinction, as the plant’s entire global population is within the footprint of the mine. Additionally, the project would cause severe damage to water sources and sacred sites in the Silver Peak Range, negatively impacting the cultural heritage of the Western Shoshone people.

Sustainable Development Goals

This approval raises concerns about the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. SDG 15: Life on Land – The extinction of Tiehm’s buckwheat threatens the local ecosystem and its diverse pollinator community.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The mine poses risks to water sources, which are vital for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer herds, and the Western Shoshone people.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The project’s impact on cultural sites and resources undermines the preservation of cultural heritage.

Environmental Concerns

The approval of the mine has raised concerns about the BLM’s commitment to environmental protection. The Center for Biological Diversity and Great Basin Resource Watch highlighted deficiencies in the mine plan, including dust control, pit wall stability, tailings dam integrity, and hydrology. These deficiencies pose a significant risk of mine infrastructure failure, which could lead to water contamination and harm wildlife in the area.

Opposition and Litigation

Various organizations and communities have expressed opposition to the Rhyolite Ridge Mine. The Western Shoshone Defense Project criticized the BLM for fast-tracking lithium projects without considering water scarcity, environmental impacts, and the opposition of local communities and Indigenous peoples. Litigation is now seen as the only way to prevent the extinction of Tiehm’s buckwheat, protect cultural sites and resources, and preserve water resources.

Conclusion

The approval of the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Mine disregards the severe threats it poses to biodiversity, cultural heritage, and water resources. It is essential to prioritize the achievement of the SDGs and ensure that mining operations are carefully and judiciously sited to minimize environmental impacts. The fight to protect Tiehm’s buckwheat and the surrounding ecosystem continues, as organizations like the Center for Biological Diversity remain committed to upholding environmental protection laws.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 15: Life on Land
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
• SDG 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
• SDG 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 15.5: Extent of species extinction risk and trends.
• Indicator for SDG 6.4: Water stress levels and water-use efficiency in the affected area.
• Indicator for SDG 12.2: Environmental impact assessments and resource management plans.
• Indicator for SDG 13.2: Integration of climate change considerations in mining project plans.
• Indicator for SDG 16.7: Level of public participation and consultation in decision-making processes.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: biologicaldiversity.org