Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project Receives Federal Approval, Securing Key Resources for Ford’s EV Expansion
Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project Receives Federal Approval, Securing Key Resources for Ford’s EV Expansion
Posted on December 11, 2024
The Biden Administration has officially given the green light to the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project in Nevada, a critical mining endeavor that could fuel a domestic supply chain for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This project, spearheaded by the mining company ioneer, received significant support from the Department of Energy with a conditional commitment of up to $700 million USD back in January 2023. Ford, who struck a deal with ioneer in July 2022, aims to secure a steady flow of raw materials to meet the increasing demand for EVs in the coming years.
Previously, ioneer faced regulatory hurdles before the project could commence. One major challenge involved addressing environmental concerns raised by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The project’s site in Nevada’s Silver Peak Range is home to the endangered Tiehm’s Buckwheat, a rare desert flower that required special protections. To meet these requirements, ioneer modified its mining proposal, minimizing its impact on this delicate ecosystem. With these environmental approvals secured, the path is now clear for ioneer to begin mining operations.
The Rhyolite Ridge project is expected to be a game-changer in America’s push for a self-sustaining, domestic supply chain of lithium, a crucial element in EV battery production. Located around 225 miles north of Las Vegas, the mine has the potential to supply enough lithium to power approximately 370,000 all-electric vehicles per year once fully operational. This approval marks a major step toward creating a secure, environmentally responsible supply of critical minerals essential for Ford’s EV production goals.
Acting Deputy Secretary of the Interior Laura Daniel-Davis commented on the project’s significance, stating, “We have moved quickly to build a robust and sustainable clean energy economy that will create jobs to support families, boost local economies, and help address environmental injustice. The Rhyolite Ridge lithium mine project is essential to advancing the clean energy transition and powering the economy of the future.” For Ford and its commitment to electrification, this development could prove pivotal as it works to bring more sustainable, American-made EVs to the market.
