Calling all passionate defenders of land and life to join an ongoing anti-mining campaign and blockade camp at Thacker Pass, among the beautiful mountains of northwestern Nevada.
Lithium Nevada, a subsidiary of the Canadian mining corporation Lithium Americas, recently obtained final permissions from the Bureau of Land Management to dig an open-pit lithium mine on public land. Both environmentalists and local ranchers find the corporation's fast-tracked Federal Environmental Impact Statement dubious and inadequate. This supposed "green" mining project actually depends heavily on fossil fuels and various toxic chemicals, including tar sands inputs. Several environmental organizations have jointly filed a lawsuit against the BLM for allowing Lithium Nevada to tear up public land and pollute this sensitive habitat. Rare and at-risk species living in Thacker Pass include Lahontan cutthroat trout, golden eagles, King's River Pryg snails, and Greater Sage Grouse.
Thacker Pass holds spiritual and cultural significance for indigenous communities, and many Paiute-Shoshone people in the area object to the destruction of indigenous cultural heritage, sacred water, and wildlife. Many in the indigenous community are rightly suspicious of Lithium Nevada's promise of jobs, since Lithium Americas has been accused of false promises and various human rights abuses in Latin America. Additional concerns include the violence against indigenous women that commonly accompanies "man camps" of temporary workers associated with extraction projects. The Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribal Council plan to initiate a lawsuit against the BLM for violating federal law in their permitting of the Thacker Pass lithium mining project. In the past two months, Thacker Pass has seen numerous gatherings and ceremonies, including a prayer walk.
Unfortunately, lawsuits may not be able to stop this mine. Activists need to assemble in this enchanting sagebrush sea and potentially take a stand through direct action. Lithium Nevada needs only two more easy-to-get permits from the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection before beginning construction. Therefore, the Protect Thacker Pass campaign seeks activists willing to commit to gathering for direct action within 24-48 hours of when construction begins, which could be as soon as May 2021 or as late as the beginning of next year. Supportive visitors, organizers, media-producers, and other volunteers are also welcome to join the Protect Thacker Pass camp and campaign efforts! The time has come to stand behind our convictions and defend this land.
To get involved or find more information, contact campaign organizers at protectthackerpass.org.