Emerging lithium-boron producer Ioneer said it is one step closer toward construction at its Rhyolite Ridge project in Nevada, following the Bureau of Land Management’s issuance of the project’s draft Environmental Impact Statement.
The draft EIS is the first to be issued from the Biden administration as part of its efforts to accelerate domestic lithium production.
“This news sets a clear path forward to construction and brings us one step closer to making Rhyolite Ridge a reality. Rhyolite Ridge will be a significant, reliable and sustainable source of critical minerals for the United States,” said Bernard Rowe, Ioneer managing director.
“Ioneer is committed to working with the local community, Tribal Nations and state and federal agencies to help the U.S. secure a domestic supply of the critical minerals vital to the clean energy transition.”
A 45-day public comment period began on April 19. A final EIS and a Record of Decision is expected to be issued in October.
Rhyolite Ridge is the only known lithium-boron deposit in North America and one of only two known such deposits in the world.
Source: Ioneer