Nevada Lithium Mine Eyes Expansion: BLM EIS Public Input Opens
Published Date: 2/28/2025
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Land Management is starting a review to see how changing the Silver Peak Lithium Mine’s plan might affect the environment in Esmeralda County, Nevada. This means local communities, nature, and businesses could see changes, and the public can share their thoughts by March 31, 2025. The review will help decide if the mine’s expansion is safe and smart before any big money or work moves forward.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Proposed mine expansion adds specific acreage
The Proposed Action would add another 543 acres of private land and 1,053 acres of public land to the Silver Peak Lithium Operation's surface disturbance. The proposal also describes existing unauthorized public-land disturbance of 770 acres and states the proposed expansion area would contribute 658 acres of surface disturbance (375 acres private, 283 acres public) and include facilities such as a new strong brine complex, two transfer pump stations, pipelines, two weak brine ponds, and future production well drilling.
Public comment deadline and scoping meetings
The BLM is taking public comments on the scope of the analysis and alternatives; comments must be received no later than March 31, 2025. The agency will hold two virtual public scoping meetings (dates to be announced at least 15 days beforehand) and will accept comments until the later of the 30-day scoping period or 15 days after the last public meeting.
Government-to-government Tribal consultation
The BLM will consult with Indian Tribal Nations on a government-to-government basis and will give due consideration to tribal concerns, including impacts on Indian trust assets and potential impacts to cultural resources. Tribal input may be used in the environmental analysis for the project.
EIS will analyze many resource impacts
The Environmental Impact Statement will analyze potential effects to air quality; cultural resources; socioeconomics; water resources; noxious weeds and invasive species; migratory birds and raptors; special status species; noise; Native American religious concerns; hazardous and solid wastes; visual resources; paleontology; soils; and vegetation. The EIS process includes a 45-day comment period on the draft EIS, with the draft expected in mid-2025, the final EIS in late 2025, and a record of decision in early 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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