Nevada's vast lithium deposits offer economic opportunity, difficult decisions

Nevada, as with other arid parts of the globe such as Chile and Argentina, is awash with lithium. The soft, silvery white mineral is in high demand as a key component of batteries used to power electric vehicles in the transition away from fossil fuel-based economies.

For years, state officials have positioned Nevada as the central node in the domestic lithium supply chain, a place to extract, recycle and market the metal. But the new increasing demand — how it plays out and where mining is permitted — could have major consequences for local communities, the environment, public land and the management of a critical resource: water.

The so-called “lithium rush” is on in Nevada, but it could take years to sort through the often conflicting issues. Read more: Nevada's vast lithium deposits offer economic opportunity, difficult decisions – The Nevada Independent