Rare Snail Species Threatened by Nevada Lithium Mine: Environmental Concerns Mount

Environmental Concerns Mount Over Nevada Lithium Mine’s Impact on Rare Snail Species

Opponents of the Thacker Pass lithium mine in Nevada are raising alarm bells over potential environmental impacts, particularly concerning groundwater levels and the survival of a rare snail species. Environmentalists and Native American activists are calling on the U.S. Interior Department to investigate new evidence suggesting the mine could harm the Kings River pyrg snail, a species found only in 13 springs near the mine site.

The mine, which covers approximately 9 square miles, has been a source of controversy since its inception. Previous legal attempts to halt the project based on its sacred significance to Native American tribes have been dismissed, but new environmental concerns are now taking center stage.

Western Watersheds Project and People of Red Mountain claim that the government and Lithium Americas, the company behind the mine, are not adequately monitoring groundwater impacts. An analysis by hydrogeologist Payton Gardner indicates a nearly 5-foot drop in the water table since 2018, raising concerns about the long-term viability of the snail’s habitat. Nevada regulators have not confirmed these declining groundwater levels but plan to monitor the situation closely.

The Kings River pyrg snail, endemic to the area, is particularly vulnerable to changes in its environment. Experts warn that even minor disruptions to its habitat could lead to the springs drying up, potentially driving the snail to extinction. Opponents argue that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is violating the Endangered Species Act by delaying a decision on the snail’s protection status.

In response to these concerns, opponents have requested federal biologists to investigate whether mine activities are causing groundwater drawdowns. The Fish and Wildlife Service is currently reviewing the snail’s status but has not commented on the groundwater investigation requests.

The Thacker Pass mine is part of a broader push to increase lithium production for electric vehicle batteries, aligning with President Biden’s energy agenda. The U.S. Energy Department has loaned over $2 billion to support the mine’s construction, and a joint venture with General Motors has been established. Other lithium projects in Nevada are also in development, highlighting the region’s growing role in lithium production.

Lithium Americas faces challenges in monitoring groundwater due to the loss of access to private lands where monitoring wells are located. Historical data showed stable groundwater levels until 2018, with construction beginning in 2023. The Bureau of Land Management has acknowledged potential groundwater level reductions but expects them to occur over decades.

In response to the concerns, Lithium Americas asserts that issues regarding the snail and groundwater have been previously addressed and resolved in court. The company cites a decade of data indicating the snail will not be affected by the mine.

As the debate continues, the Thacker Pass lithium mine remains a focal point in the ongoing discussion about balancing economic development and environmental conservation in the pursuit of clean energy solutions.