Federal judge halts Arizona lithium drilling amid tribal concerns

A federal judge temporarily stopped exploratory lithium drilling in Arizona after the Hualapai Tribe argued it would harm sacred lands.

Scott Sonner reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

• The Hualapai Tribe and environmental groups sued to stop drilling near sacred springs in northwestern Arizona.
• The tribe argues the Bureau of Land Management's approval violated laws protecting historic and cultural sites.
• A hearing on a longer-term injunction is scheduled for September 17 in Phoenix.

Key quote:

“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.”

— Laura Berglan, Earthjustice lawyer

Why this matters:

The case highlights the conflict between green energy initiatives and the preservation of Indigenous cultural sites, raising questions about the balance between environmental progress and respecting sacred lands.

Related:

• The US funds lithium mining, risking water supplies
• Plans for lithium project raise environmental concerns in Utah
• A Nevada community fights lithium mine to protect rare fish and water resources