Federal Court Stalls Lithium Mine Drilling Near Wikieup

A federal judge has granted the Hualapai Tribe a temporary restraining order against the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), halting an exploratory lithium drilling project in the Big Sandy River watershed. This area is significant due to its proximity to a sacred spring vital to the Hualapai culture.

The ruling prevents the BLM from initiating any ground disturbances or construction activities associated with the Big Sandy Valley Lithium Exploration Project for a period of 14 days. 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.”

This order follows the tribe’s legal action against the BLM, which had been a response to years of escalating concerns regarding the project’s potential impact. The project would allow a mining company to drill at over 100 locations on BLM land surrounding Ha’Kamwe’, a sacred medicinal spring central to the tribe’s heritage.

Ha’Kamwe’ features in many tribal songs and narratives, highlighting its historical significance and importance for traditional practices. The Hualapai Tribe has reiterated the necessity of preserving the spring’s natural flow and temperature, crucial for its traditional uses.

Despite the tribe’s persistent efforts to communicate their concerns through public comments, letters, and consultations during the project’s planning stages, the BLM authorized the initiative on June 6. Big Sandy, Inc., a subsidiary of Australian mining firm Arizona Lithium, leads the project, which involves drilling up to 131 exploratory holes across 21 acres of public land.

Arizona Lithium, while not a direct party in the lawsuit, sought to intervene in the case—a motion approved by Judge Diane Humetewa. The mining company aims to defend its position as the tribe seeks to halt the project.

According to Earthjustice, the environmental law organization representing the Hualapai Tribe, the lawsuit also seeks a preliminary injunction to extend the drilling moratorium during the legal proceedings. A hearing for this motion is scheduled for September 17.

Attorney Laura Berglan, representing Earthjustice, emphasized the broader implications of the case, stating, “Like other Tribal Nations who for centuries have stewarded the lands across this country, the Hualapai people are under siege by mining interests trying to make a buck off destroying their cultural heritage.”