Environmentalists and Native American activists are raising alarm over potential environmental consequences of the Thacker Pass lithium mine in Nevada. Opponents claim the mine could deplete groundwater and threaten the survival of a rare snail species found only in the area.
Lithium Mine Construction Sparks Controversy
Thacker Pass, home to what is slated to become the largest lithium mine in the United States, has already drawn criticism for its environmental and cultural impacts. The mine, which spans approximately nine square miles, is being developed by Canada-based Lithium Americas to meet growing demand for lithium—a key component in electric vehicle batteries.
The mine’s opponents, including Western Watersheds Project and People of Red Mountain, are now urging the U.S. Interior Department to investigate evidence suggesting a significant drop in groundwater levels. A recent analysis by hydrogeologist Payton Gardner revealed a decline of nearly five feet since 2018, a potential risk for the fragile ecosystem.
Rare Snail at Risk of Extinction
The Kings River pyrg, a tiny snail no larger than a grain of rice, lives exclusively in 13 isolated springs near the mine site. These springs are fed by groundwater, making even slight disruptions a threat to the species’ survival.
Paul Ruprecht, Nevada Director for Western Watersheds Project, emphasized the delicate balance required for the snail’s habitat. “Even slight disruptions to its habitat could cause springs to run dry, driving it to extinction,” he said.
Conservationists argue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is violating the Endangered Species Act by delaying a decision on a 2022 petition to protect the snail as a threatened or endangered species.
Mining Boom Meets Environmental Concerns
The push for lithium mining has intensified with the Biden administration’s focus on renewable energy. In 2023, the U.S. Energy Department loaned Lithium Americas over $2 billion to develop Thacker Pass. The mine is also backed by General Motors, which recently finalized a joint venture with the mining company.
However, efforts to mine critical minerals in Nevada have a history of sparking legal battles over threats to wildlife and water supplies. Conservationists worry the lithium boom could further strain delicate ecosystems.
Regulatory Oversight and Groundwater Monitoring
Nevada regulators and Lithium Americas maintain that groundwater levels around Thacker Pass remained stable for decades until construction began in 2023. The Bureau of Land Management acknowledged potential reductions in groundwater levels in its approval of the mine but predicted significant impacts would take decades to materialize.
Ruprecht, however, noted challenges in monitoring groundwater due to restricted access to private lands housing key wells. Environmentalists question whether exploratory drilling and construction have already impacted the springs feeding the Kings River pyrg’s habitat.
