Arizona Tribe Seeks Extended Ban on Lithium Drilling Near Sacred Springs
The Hualapai Tribe argues that exploratory drilling threatens culturally significant lands, while the mining company cites public interest in renewable energy.
- The Hualapai Tribe has asked a federal judge to extend a temporary ban on lithium drilling near their sacred springs, Ha’Kamwe, used for healing ceremonies.
- The tribe claims that noise, dust, and vibrations from the drilling project will irreversibly harm the culturally significant site.
- Arizona Lithium Ltd. plans to drill at 131 sites to determine the feasibility of mining lithium, crucial for electric vehicle batteries.
- The federal Bureau of Land Management is accused of failing to adequately assess the environmental and cultural impacts on the springs.
- Supporters of the drilling project, including the Navajo Transitional Energy Company, argue that lithium exploration is vital for advancing the clean energy economy.
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