Ioneer says Rhyolite Ridge project clears major U.S. federal permitting step

Ioneer announced that it has moved one step closer toward construction at its Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project following announced publication by the Bureau of Land Management of the project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement. Rhyolite Ridge, which will create hundreds of jobs in rural Esmeralda County, Nevada, becomes the first lithium project to reach this advanced stage of the environmental permitting review process under the Biden Administration as part of its efforts to accelerate U.S. lithium production, Ioneer said in a statement. “Since Ioneer’s work at Rhyolite Ridge began in 2016, we have listened to members of the community and adapted our plans to maximize the project’s many economic benefits while minimizing indirect impacts to the community and environment. Rhyolite Ridge is stronger because of the extensive collaboration and input from all involved stakeholders,” said Bernard Rowe, Managing Director, Ioneer. “Today’s issuance not only advances the Rhyolite Ridge project but brings the United States closer to a more secure and sustainable source of domestic critical minerals.” Following its formal publication in tomorrow’s Federal Register, the Final EIS is subject to a statutory waiting period through Monday, October 21, after which a Record of Decision can be issued.