The Biden administration has granted final federal approval to Ioneer Ltd's Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project in Nevada, marking it as the first U.S. lithium mine authorized under this administration. The project aims to bolster domestic lithium production to supply batteries for over 370,000 electric vehicles annually by 2028, creating hundreds of jobs and stimulating the local economy. However, the approval has sparked controversy due to environmental concerns, particularly the risk posed to the endangered Tiehm’s buckwheat, as the mine site encompasses its entire global population. The Bureau of Land Management has implemented protective measures for the wildflower, but conservationists still threaten legal action, arguing that the project could lead to extinction and water source damage. Despite these concerns, the project aligns with President Biden's clean energy goals and seeks to reduce reliance on foreign critical minerals, supported by a significant loan and investment package. The approval process involved extensive collaboration with federal, state, and tribal governments, aiming to balance ecological preservation with economic development.