Nye County commissioners back Rhyolite Ridge lithium‑boron project during draft EIS comment period

Tyson Falk updated the Board of Commissioners May 7 on the Rhyolite Ridge lithium‑boron project after the Bureau of Land Management issued a draft environmental impact statement. Falk said the company has modified its plan to limit direct impact to about 20% of critical habitat for a locally listed buckwheat species and described a conservation program that includes a seed bank and on‑site conservation center.

Falk asked the county to issue a letter of support during the BLM's 45‑day public comment period (which he said closes June 3). He told the board the company is fully funded for construction pending final permit decisions, predicted roughly 500 construction jobs and about 300–350 direct operational jobs over the life of the mine, and described workforce development discussions with Great Basin College, Western Nevada College and university partners.

Commissioners asked questions about market demand for lithium and boric acid and about workforce housing. Falk said the company expects continued demand for lithium solutions and said boric acid production would fill a U.S. supply gap. He described plans to encourage local hiring, support training programs and provide bus transportation for employees who live in area communities.

The board voted 5‑0 to approve a letter of support for the project during the draft EIS comment period. The company and BLM will continue the public comment and permitting process; a final environmental impact statement and record of decision are subject to BLM timing.