2025 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-15-2025

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Michail Fragkias

Abstract

This research examines the economic, environmental, and social challenges related to the lithium mines at Thacker Pass and Rhyolite Ridge in Nevada. Both mines are located on lands that are historically important to local tribal communities and will affect multiple indigenous tribes in the area. From an economic perspective, I will analyze the regional, national, corporate, and tribal economic benefits to understand the different ways people are benefiting from lithium extraction. There is also the possibility of economic loss faced by tribal communities that are against the mining operations and protest or sue to stop the mines from occurring. The social and environmental dimensions are largely intertwined, with many reasons for both tribal communities and conservation groups being against the mining operations. This is part of the reason tribal communities are willing to face economic loss from nonparticipation or challenging the mines. This study explores the trade-offs between economic development, environmental sustainability, and tribal sovereignty and can be used by companies, policymakers, and tribal governments to make better informed decisions for future projects.

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