Silver Peak Lithium Mine Expansion – Environmental Impact Statement

Located in southwest, Nevada, Silver Peak is the only active lithium mine in the United States. A key component in batteries used for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, technologies for defense and space exploration, and a wide range of industrial applications, the mine forms an essential link in the nation’s critical minerals supply chain.

Silver Peak extracts lithium salts from non-potable saltwater within aquifers 300-2,000 feet below the desert’s surface. After being pumped to the surface, the brine—which contains high concentrations of lithium—is transferred between a series of solar evaporation ponds where the lithium becomes more concentrated.

As demand for lithium grows, Silver Peak is taking steps to add two ponds and other infrastructure to its evaporation pond system. In support of this project, SWCA Environmental Consultants offered a variety of services. Early in the process, SWCA worked closely with the mine’s owner, Albermarle, to develop a mine plan. This became the basis for the NEPA compliance process, including the preparation of the initial and final draft of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the public comment review/response period – both of which, SWCA conducted. Along the way, SWCA also conducted the requisite natural resources studies (surface water, botany, wildlife, and vegetation surveys) and cultural resources surveys. The team also coordinated with federal and state agencies to keep the project on track. Recently, the team helped the project successfully complete the FAST-41 permitting process, which was expanded in 2025 to include critical minerals projects.