Horsford Applauds New Lithium Project Bringing Jobs and Critical Minerals to Nevada

NORTH LAS VEGAS – Today, Congressman Steven Horsford applauded the approval of the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron project, an important milestone towards advancing America’s clean energy future and securing a domestic supply of critical minerals. As an early supporter of the project, Congressman Horsford played a key role in ensuring its progress, working closely with the Department of the Interior and the Council on Environmental Quality. 

“I’m proud to have America’s most advanced new lithium project right here in Nevada’s Fourth Congressional District,” said Congressman Horsford. “This project reinforces Nevada’s leadership as the only state with significant lithium production and strengthens our country’s domestic reliance on a critical mineral essential for fighting climate change. The Rhyolite Ridge project will power our transition to clean energy, create hundreds of good-paying jobs, and boost our local economy.” 

The Rhyolite Ridge project will provide enough lithium to power nearly 370,000 electric vehicles annually, supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate goals. Located in Nevada’s Fourth District, this project cements Nevada’s role as a leader in lithium production and ensures long-term economic benefits through the creation of up to 500 construction jobs and 350 permanent jobs during operations. The mine is expected to generate $125 million in annual wages, providing significant economic support to local communities, including job training and scholarship opportunities. 

Environmental protections are a key part of the project’s design. The Bureau of Land Management and the project developers collaborated with federal agencies to protect Tiehm’s buckwheat, a rare plant found only in the project area. Conservation measures include redesigning project features to limit impacts on the plant and developing a formal protection plan. 

The Rhyolite Ridge mine will also produce boron, a material essential for industries such as glass and semiconductors, further expanding the project's economic and technological significance.