Federal Court Halts Lithium Mining Near Sacred Hualapai Site, Temporarily

A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order at the request of the Hualapai Tribe, halting an exploratory lithium drilling project in the Big Sandy River watershed. This order specifically prohibits the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from any ground disturbance or construction related to the Big Sandy Valley Lithium Exploration Project for two weeks.

Hualapai Chairman Duane Clarke expressed cautious optimism, stating, “Today, our people celebrate the granting of the temporary restraining order, but understand our fight is not over. We will continue to bring awareness to the protection of our water.”

The order follows a lawsuit filed by the Hualapai Tribe against the BLM. For years, the tribe has raised concerns about the impacts of the lithium exploration project on their sacred sites, particularly Ha’Kamwe’, a medicinal spring revered in their culture.

This project allows a mining company to drill and test more than 100 locations on BLM land surrounding Ha’Kamwe’, which is integral to the Hualapai’s heritage and practices. The historic flow and temperature of the spring are essential for their traditional uses, underscoring the tribe’s commitment to protecting these natural resources.

Despite numerous public comments, letters, and participation in consultations, the BLM approved the project on June 6, 2023. Big Sandy, Inc., a subsidiary of Arizona Lithium, has been pursuing approval since 2019 while the Hualapai Tribe has consistently voiced its opposition.

Although Arizona Lithium is not directly named in the lawsuit, the company has filed a motion to intervene, which was approved by Judge Diane Humetewa, allowing them to participate in defending the project against the tribe’s legal actions.

The approved project permits drilling across 21 acres of public land to explore the viability of a full-scale lithium mining operation. Ha’Kamwe’ is situated within the Hualapai’s Cholla Canyon Ranch property, nearly surrounded by the proposed drilling area.

Laura Berglan, an attorney with Earthjustice, condemned the situation, stating, “The Hualapai people are under siege by mining interests trying to exploit their cultural heritage. We are in court because of the federal government’s failure to protect Tribal rights.”

The Hualapai Tribe is seeking a preliminary injunction to extend the pause on drilling during the ongoing legal proceedings. A hearing for this motion is set for September 17, 2023.