Veteran water scientist Nyle Pennington, responsible for monitoring groundwater levels near America’s only active commercial lithium mine in Central Nevada, has raised concerns about the diminishing water sources. The Silver Peak lithium mine has reportedly pumped nearly 4 billion gallons of water annually since 2020. The mine operator, Albemarle, denies impacting freshwater aquifers, but Pennington’s findings contradict this claim. With the surge in proposals for new lithium mines in the U.S., driven by the push for electric vehicles, there’s growing scrutiny of the environmental impact, especially on water resources.
The Biden administration’s encouragement of domestic lithium mine expansion, aiming to reduce dependence on China for lithium, comes with hidden hazards. The Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at Arizona State University conducted a national investigation into 72 proposed lithium mines in nine states. Key findings include the lack of federal rules governing mine water consumption, the impact of America’s only operating commercial lithium mine on groundwater levels, foreign ownership of the majority of proposed projects, and the intention to draw water from already stressed sources.
The proposed lithium mines are not confined to the West, as North Carolina and Arkansas also face concerns. In Nevada, the driest state in the U.S., 40 of the 72 proposed lithium mines are being considered. The majority in Nevada, about 80%, are planned in areas flagged for special monitoring due to potential water level risks. Concerns about Silver Peak lithium mine’s impact on water levels have been documented in annual reports by the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority, indicating that groundwater levels near the mine are decreasing.
The Howard Center’s investigation highlights the absence of federal regulations on mine water consumption, posing potential risks to water resources. The majority of proposed lithium projects are owned by foreign companies or their subsidiaries. Additionally, many projects plan to extract water from already strained sources like the Colorado River. Despite warnings about environmental consequences, federal authority to reject mining permits is weak, with the Department of the Interior not having rejected a mining permit in over two decades.
The surge in lithium mining activities, driven by the demand for electric vehicles, presents a dilemma. While it aims to bolster the U.S. lithium supply chain and reduce reliance on China, the environmental impact, especially on water resources, raises concerns. The Howard Center’s findings emphasize the need for comprehensive regulations governing water usage in mining operations. As the lithium industry grows, balancing environmental sustainability with resource extraction becomes crucial for the nation’s long-term interests.
The situation in Nevada, with Silver Peak as a case study, underscores the challenges of expanding lithium mining without adequate safeguards. The impact on local water sources, especially in already arid regions, requires careful consideration and comprehensive regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible and sustainable lithium extraction.
In conclusion, the push for more American lithium mines, fueled by the demand for electric vehicles, brings attention to the hidden hazards associated with water consumption. The lack of federal regulations, foreign ownership of proposed projects, and potential strain on already stressed water sources raise environmental and sustainability concerns. Balancing the drive for domestic lithium production with responsible resource management is crucial for the success of the electric vehicle transition without compromising other vital ecosystems.