Overview
- A federal judge upheld the government’s 2024 approval for Ioneer’s Rhyolite Ridge mine in Esmeralda County, Nevada.
- Judge Cristina D. Silva ruled that BLM’s analysis and mitigation for Tiehm’s buckwheat, an endangered wildflower, satisfied environmental laws.
- Ioneer says the operation could produce enough lithium to power about 370,000 electric vehicles each year.
- Company shares rose about 24% after the decision as Ioneer works to replace former partner Sibanye Stillwater.
- The Center for Biological Diversity criticized the safeguards and said it is weighing an appeal within the 30-day window.