Between the number one biggest project plan and sacred place desecration, the ideas are going reciprocal. McDermitt Caldera (New Oregon and Nevada) is known as the largest lithium-rich rock deposit in the United States. Lithium Americas, a Canadian company plans to construct mining industry near the southern tip of the caldera in Nevada, which is Thacker Pass. This would be the biggest lithium mine in America, but what do historians and environmentalists say about this?
Native American tribes in the area alleged Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for allowing the project to set foot in Thacker Pass. Since 1865, Thacker Pass has been a sacred place commemorating the massacre of the tribes’ ancestors. Hence, A history preservationist for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, Michon Eben said that the project befouls the sacred place.
In parallel, environmentalists agonize the project for the site has been the route for wildlife migration. Moreover in Orovada, a town consisting of 120 people worry that the project would pollute their water supply and air quality. Currently, protesters camp at the site to revolt the ill development.
For decades, it is no longer surprising that businesses fight over Thacker Pass. They battle on how and where to mine. Thacker Pass is the site for American’s richest mine. Among other things, America is in the huge demand of cobalt, copper, and lithium. They are beneficial for batteries and other clean technologies. It is in line with President Joe Biden ambition. Mr. Biden projects that by 2050 U.S should reach net-zero emissions. Thus, businesses try to secure Thacker Pass.
U.S. basically since Covid-19 intends to diversify mineral supply away from China. This could be far from green concerns but the desire to the greater power competition on the other hand.
