The United States has greenlit a transformative project that promises to quadruple the nation’s lithium output by 2028, marking a pivotal step in bolstering domestic critical mineral production.
On October 24, Ioneer Ltd. obtained a crucial federal permit for its Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project, granted by the Bureau of Land Management.
This monumental decision makes Rhyolite Ridge the first lithium project approved under President Biden’s administration, firmly aligning with its strategic initiative to hasten the domestic production of critical minerals.
Situated in Esmeralda County, Nevada, Rhyolite Ridge aspires to begin construction in 2025, with operational activities slated for 2028.
The project aims to supply lithium for over 370,000 American-made electric vehicles (EVs) each year, offering an enticing promise of sustained support to the EV industry within the U.S.
Notably, the lithium and other essential battery materials will be processed on-site, a move that strengthens the nation’s self-sufficiency in battery production.
Rhyolite Ridge is more than just a mining project; it is an economic catalyst poised to create around 500 construction jobs and provide long-term employment for about 350 individuals once operational.
The project is predicted to significantly enhance local economic activity by generating millions in tax revenue for Esmeralda County, contributing to economic resilience in the region.
Stretching over a lifespan of 26 years, this large-scale, greenfield open-pit project is expected to produce an average of 22,340 tonnes of lithium carbonate in its initial three years.
Post this period, it is set to yield approximately 21,951 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually. Moreover, the mine will generate about 174,378 tonnes of boric acid per year throughout its operation.
The approval process for Rhyolite Ridge has been extensive, involving meticulous collaboration between Ioneer and various stakeholders, including federal and state governments, tribal officials, and local communities.
This collaborative effort was instrumental in addressing and integrating environmental concerns, such as the protection of Tiehm’s buckwheat, a vulnerable species residing adjacent to the project site.
Ioneer’s adaptations included major adjustments to the project footprint to avert potential impacts on sensitive habitats, accompanied by commitments to water conservation, and noise, dust, and light monitoring.
The location of Rhyolite Ridge, nestled northeast of Dyer, Nevada, in the Basin and Range Province, is characterized by diverse geological formations dating back millions of years.
As of April 2020, the area’s verified mineral reserves stood at around 60.2 million tonnes, with significant concentrations of both lithium and boron.
This potent combination of minerals is expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing shift toward cleaner energy sources.
Bernard Rowe, Managing Director at Ioneer, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in the project’s success.
“Our sustained engagement with stakeholders has been crucial in achieving a balanced and sustainable development for the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project.
This permit marks a significant milestone, empowering us to launch the construction phase by 2025,” he stated.
Ioneer anticipates that the Rhyolite Ridge project will not only contribute significantly to the country’s clean energy transition but also establish itself as a precedent for future sustainable mining efforts within the United States.
As the nation seeks to reduce its dependency on foreign minerals, this project represents a noteworthy stride toward that goal, potentially repositioning the U.S. as a leading player in the global lithium market.