This is an important metal for electric vehicle battery production, serving the green transition.
However, mining this metal may lead to the extinction risk of a wildflower that grows nearby.
The arid desert area, approximately five times the size of a football field in Nevada, is the only habitat of the Tiehm’s buckwheat flower. In 2022, this flower was listed by the United States as one of the endangered plant species. Ironically, the habitat of this flower is located very close to one of the largest lithium mines in North America.
Mr. Patrick Donnelly, Director of the Great Basin Biodiversity Center, stated: “The mining plan could destroy 22% of the Tiehm’s buckwheat’s critical habitat. The Fish and Wildlife Service has identified the surrounding land as essential for the conservation of this flower. Therefore, the impact on 22% of its habitat is a significant issue.”
Tiehm’s buckwheat.
Currently, combating climate change is a priority for the U.S. government. One of the main solutions proposed is the development of an emission-free electric vehicle system. Lithium is a crucial component in electric vehicle battery production. The International Energy Agency predicts that, not only in the U.S., the global demand for lithium could increase up to seven times by 2030.
Mr. Bernard Rowe, a geologist and Director of Ioneer, mentioned: “The amount of lithium we will produce in this area could reach 22,000 tons of lithium carbonate per year, which is enough to supply batteries for 370,000 electric vehicles. This capacity will be maintained for the first 26 years of the project’s operation.”
Currently, the mining company has invested up to $2.5 million for research to conserve this flower species. The plant has shown good growth in greenhouses. Some biologists believe it can continue to be propagated and replanted.
Mr. Josh Dini, a member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe in Nevada, commented: “It wouldn’t truly be green energy if you have to destroy land, water, air, and the natural environment to conduct mining activities. The most complete solution is for the mine and this flower to coexist.”
According to the U.S. Energy Research Institute, the country holds about 3% of the world’s lithium reserves, yet its annual production is less than 2% of global output. In reality, over the past few decades, many mining projects have been proposed in Nevada, but only one has successfully passed the permitting process.
