Here in Nevada, there's been an uptick in mining interest for what are called critical minerals— resources like lithium, magnesium and copper— deemed vital to the nation’s security and economic prosperity by the Department of Interior.
Some people have pushed back, concerned about the impacts of drilling on their communities. However, exploratory mining may be on its way out for one area of Southern Nevada: 308,890 acres of public land in the Amargosa Valley, including land near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
This means a 20-year ban on any new mining operations is on the table.
Here's the memo released Wednesday, Jan. 15 by the Bureau of Land Management:
The Secretary of the Interior proposes to withdraw 308,890 acres of Federal lands located in Nye County, Nevada, for 20 years, subject to valid existing rights. The purpose of the proposed withdrawal is to protect the cultural, recreational, and biological resources of these lands.
This notice initiates a 90-day public comment period and announces a public meeting on the proposed withdrawal.
All Comments must be received by April 15, 2025.
The agency is holding a meeting to engage the public on Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Amargosa Community Center.
Review the 'Mineral Withdrawal' proposal and instructions to submit your feedback to the BLM here:
A little over a year ago, in the small, tight-knit community of Amargosa Valley, local residents discovered that Canada-based company Rover Critical Minerals had been staking mining claims throughout the valley.
Locals told Channel 13 their concerns about the impacts lithium drilling could have on their already strained source of water, the Amargosa River.
Local News
Lithium mining claims draw pushback in Amargosa Valley
“Don’t take a look at what the paper says," said resident Judy Faber. "Take a look at the impact on the people, on the water, and then make a decision. But, don’t just sign papers because they say it’s a great idea and there’s lithium."
Conservation groups also raised red flags because of the proximity of lithium drilling to Ash Meadows, which is considered a globally significant biodiversity hotspot where a dozen threatened and endangered species live.
WATCH: Conservation group pushing for 'Mineral Withdrawal' near Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge
Mason Voehl, Executive Director of the Amargosa Conservancy, issued the following statement:
This is a pivotal moment in our shared fight to protect Ash Meadows, Death Valley, and the Amargosa Valley, but let’s be clear: this victory belongs to the people who call the valley home. They’ve shown us what true civic engagement looks like—organizing tirelessly, raising their voices, and standing up for the desert and for their families’ futures. Together, we’ve forged a powerful coalition of communities, Tribes, and advocates united by a shared commitment to safeguarding the Amargosa River and every form of life — people and pupfish alike — that depends on it. A debt of gratitude is owed our leaders in Congress — Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen, and Representatives Horsford, Lee, and Titus — for their avid support of this action that will protect Nevadans and wildlife for generations.
