The BLM has approved expansion of the Silver Peak lithium mine near Silver Peak in Esmeralda County. The existing mine is now authorized to operate on 8,058 total acres, including 1,601 public acres.

The mine has been in operation since 1965 and is currently the only producing lithium mine in the U.S. The BLM says the expansion allows for use of new technologies expected to increase lithium recovery by up to 100% from the same amount of raw materials.

The BLM says this project was directed by the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council to be among the first included as a FAST-41 project and is in response to administration efforts to increase American mineral production in order to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign minerals, enhance national security, and create jobs.

Albemarle Corporation will also construct two transfer pump stations and related pipelines, two weak brine ponds, and conduct future production well-drilling.

The BLM also retroactively approved existing facilities built without prior authorization. 

SEPTEMBER 4, 2025: 

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking a second round of public comments on the proposed expansion of the Silver Peak lithium mine near Silver Peak in Esmeralda County.

The mine, currently authorized on 6,462 acres including 548 acres of public lands, could expand by 1,596 acres if approved, including 1,053 acres of public lands.

Albemarle Corporation could also build two transfer pump stations with pipelines, two weak brine ponds, and drill future production wells.

The BLM will also consider whether to retroactively approve existing facilities built without prior authorization.

A notice of availability will be published in the Federal Register on Friday, beginning a 30-day public comment period.

The BLM will hold one virtual public meeting to present information and discuss the proposal on Sept. 23, 2025, at 2 p.m. No comments will be collected during the meeting.

Additional details, including the draft environmental impact statement and registration instructions, are available on the BLM National NEPA Register. Comments may be submitted online through the “Participate Now”  option.

Comments may also be mailed to Silver Peak EIS, P.O. Box 911, Tonopah, NV 89049.

The comment period closes Oct. 6, 2025, or 15 days after the virtual meeting, whichever is later. 

ORIGINAL STORY - February 27, 2025: 

The BLM is asking for public input on a proposed expansion to a lithium mine near Silver Peak in Esmeralda County. 

The 6,462 acre mine includes 548 acres of public lands and if approved, could expand by additional 1,596 acres including 1,053 acres of public lands. 

Albemarle Corporation could also build two transfer pump stations and related pipelines, two weak brine ponds, and future production well drilling.

The BLM says it will also consider whether to retroactively approve existing facilities built without prior authorization.

The BLM will conduct two virtual public meetings to present information and discuss the proposed expansion on March 18 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. No comments will be collected during the public meetings.

Information on registering for the meetings is available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments can be submitted through the “Participate Now” option (preferred).

Comments can also be emailed to BLM_NV_BMDO_P&EC_NEPA@blm.gov or delivered to Silver Peak EIS, P.O. Box 911, Tonopah, NV 89049. The comment period will close March 31, 2025, or 15 days after the last public meeting, whichever is later. 

(The Bureau of Land Management contributed to this report.)