US pulls plug on authorization for lithium exploration next to a national wildlife refuge in Nevada

Withdrawal of Authorization for Lithium Exploration Project in Southern Nevada

RENO, Nev. (AP) — Federal land managers have formally withdrawn their authorization of a Canadian mining company’s lithium exploration project bordering a national wildlife refuge in southern Nevada after conservationists sought a court order to block it.

The Center for Biological Diversity and the Amargosa Conservancy said in a lawsuit filed July 7 that the project on the edge of the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge outside Las Vegas posed an illegal risk to a dozen fish, snail, and plant species currently protected under the Endangered Species Act.

They filed an additional motion this week in federal court seeking a temporary injunction prohibiting Rover Metals from initiating the drilling of 30 bore sites in search of the highly sought-after metal used to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles.

Significance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The withdrawal of authorization for the lithium exploration project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. These goals include:

1. Goal 14: Life Below Water – Protecting endangered species and preserving aquatic ecosystems
2. Goal 15: Life on Land – Conserving biodiversity and protecting unique habitats
3. Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promoting sustainable mining practices and reducing environmental degradation
4. Goal 13: Climate Action – Supporting the transition to renewable energy sources

Background and Legal Proceedings

Before a judge in Las Vegas could rule on the request for a temporary injunction, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) notified Rover Metals that their earlier authorization was in error. Angelita Bulletts, district manager of the BLM’s southern Nevada district, stated that the proposed operations were likely to disturb localized groundwaters that supply surface waters associated with threatened and endangered species in local springs.

The reversal of the authorization provides a temporary reprieve for the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to numerous endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The Amargosa Conservancy’s executive director, Mason Voehl, expressed gratitude for the victory and emphasized the unsuitability of mining near the refuge.

Rover Metals has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Environmental Review and Compliance

In April, Rover Metals announced that it had received an “exploration drill permit” from the BLM for its Let’s Go Lithium project. The company argued that a formal environmental review was not necessary at this stage of the work. However, the Center for Biological Diversity contended that the project, located within 2,000 feet of the refuge, required review due to the presence of protected species. The agency agreed with this assessment and stated that a formal plan of operations must be submitted for compliance with the law and consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Implications and Conclusion

Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin director at the Center for Biological Diversity, expressed relief that the lawsuit and public opposition led to the withdrawal of authorization just days before drilling was scheduled to commence. He emphasized the importance of preserving special places from drilling activities, while acknowledging the need for lithium in the renewable energy transition.

The withdrawal of authorization for the lithium exploration project serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing economic development with environmental conservation and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

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

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article discusses the potential impact of the lithium exploration project on fish species protected under the Endangered Species Act.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The article highlights the importance of protecting the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to several endemic species.

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

• SDG 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans – The project’s potential impact on fish species protected under the Endangered Species Act raises concerns about the sustainable management and protection of marine ecosystems.
• SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species – The presence of protected species, such as the endangered pupfish, near the project site highlights the need for action to prevent their extinction and protect their habitats.

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

• No specific indicators are mentioned in the article. However, indicators related to the population and conservation status of the protected fish species and other endemic species in the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge could be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: apnews.com

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