"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said on Thursday it will propose listing the Tiehm’s buckwheat flower as an endangered species, dealing a blow to ioneer Ltd’s proposed Rhyolite Ridge lithium mine in Nevada.
The decision reflects the ongoing tension between environmentalists and industry as the United States tries to wean its economy off fossil fuels and go electric. Lithium is a key component of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
The endangered species designation does not immediately block the project, but could impede permitting and financing efforts. Construction had been slated to start this year, with the mine opening by 2023.
Reuters reported last week that U.S. President Joe Biden plans to look abroad for most supplies of EV metals, part of a strategy designed to placate environmentalists."
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