On 2 August 2024, the Hualapai Tribe, represented by Earthjustice and the Western Mining Action Project, filed a lawsuit before the District Court for the District of Arizona, against the US Bureau of Land Management for authorising Big Sandy Inc. (a subsidiary of Australian company Arizona Lithium) to drill in northwestern Arizona's Big Sandy River Basin. The Tribe alleges the Bureau violated the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act by failing to properly assess the impact on sacred springs, Ha’Kamwe,’ which have been integral to their cultural practices and moving forward with the project without providing mitigation measures. The lawsuit highlights archaeological evidence of the tribe’s presence in the area dating back to 600 A.D. The Tribe also claims the land is eligible for National Register of Historic Places listing. The Tribe seeks a complete stop to the project.

Arizona Lithium filed a motion to intervene in the case, but is not a defendant in this lawsuit.

On 19 August 2024, a federal judge temporarily blocked exploratory drilling for the lithium project, suspending operations until a hearing could be held on 17 September 2024, to allow initial arguments from the Tribe, Arizona Lithium Ltd., and the Bureau of Land Management.

On 17 September 2024, members of the Hualapai Tribe urged a federal judge to extend the temporary ban on exploratory drilling for the lithium project.

On 5 November 2024, a federal judge extended a temporary pause on harmful drilling for the duration of the Hualapai Tribe’s legal case because it is likely that there will be irreparable harm from the drilling.

In February 2025, Arizona Lithium withdrew its plan for the project, indicating that “After careful consultation with all stakeholders, we believe that the best way forward is to withdraw this latest drilling application... and to resubmit a new plan that will optimise project development.” The Hualapai Tribe withdrew the lawsuit.

The case is closed.

Court documents

Arizona Lithium rescinds Sandy Valley exploration plan, working to refine Big Sandy development, Mining Weekly, 17 February 2025

Order granting motion for a temporary restraining order followed by a preliminary injunction, District Court for the District of Arizona, 5 Nov 2024

Hualapai tribe v. Haaland (lithium mine) complaint, 2 Aug 2024