Coalition lawsuit challenges Green River lithium mining approval [Video]

GREEN RIVER, Utah — On Wednesday, a conservation coalition filed a lawsuit challenging the approval of an Australian company’s plan for Green River lithium mining. 

The lawsuit follows the Utah Division of Environmental Quality’s approval of Anson Resources‘ application to extract lithium from Green River groundwater. Blackstone Mineral NV LLC, an Anson Resources subsidiary, filed the application. It requested nearly 14,000 acre-feet of water from the Green River. 

Anson Resources has 100% ownership of Blackstone Mineral. 

In a press release, the coalition said they filed the lawsuit to ensure public officials are held accountable.

“The recent decision from the State Engineer gives a foreign-backed company a free pass from Utah regulators to turn Green River into an energy colony,” said Living Rivers Conservation Director John Weisheit. “The courts must consider the arbitrary and capricious nature of the State Engineer’s decision.”

Green River lithium mining plans

On its project website,Anson Resources said it is interested in the area near the Green River …