Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised alarms over the United States government’s approval of a lithium mining project at Thacker Pass in Nevada, asserting that this decision infringes on the rights of Indigenous peoples. The organization emphasizes that the U.S. government failed to secure free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) from the Numu/Nuwu and Newe tribes, a critical aspect of international law.
The detailed 133-page report scrutinizes the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) earlier claims of having engaged with tribal governments since 2018. While the BLM stated there had been no objections during consultations, HRW contends that these interactions lacked substance and that any genuine consultation was notably absent, with only minimal correspondence sent to three tribal governments.
Thacker Pass is home to one of the largest lithium deposits globally, covering 18,000 acres of ancestral land for the Numu/Nuwu and Newe peoples. Despite receiving necessary state permits, the project faced numerous lawsuits from Indigenous advocates, although these legal attempts have largely been unsuccessful, including claims that BLM failed to properly consult Indigenous communities as mandated by the National Historic Preservation Act.
According to HRW, domestic laws regarding Indigenous consultation fall significantly short of the FPIC standards set forth in international law, particularly within the framework of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Since its endorsement in 2011, UNDRIP has underscored that states must engage transparently and collaboratively with Indigenous communities to obtain their consent for projects impacting their lands.
The historical significance of Thacker Pass cannot be understated; it harbors a painful legacy related to the 1865 massacre of Numu/Nuwu and Newe people by the U.S. Union Army. HRW’s report eloquently articulates that the lithium project is intertwined with this dark chapter of American history, symbolizing both a continuation of violent colonial practices and the emergence of modern resource extraction.
Human Rights Watch contends that the U.S. government’s approval of a lithium mine at Thacker Pass violates the rights of Indigenous peoples by neglecting to secure free, prior, and informed consent. The Bureau of Land Management’s claims of adequate consultation are challenged by HRW, highlighting a lack of meaningful engagement. Additionally, historical injustices tied to this land underline the urgency of respecting Indigenous sovereignty within the context of resource development.
In summary, HRW’s findings spotlight serious concerns regarding the U.S. government’s approach to Indigenous rights and environmental justice at Thacker Pass. With claims of insufficient consultation and the failure to respect international FPIC standards, the case highlights the ongoing conflict between resource development and Indigenous sovereignty. As the legacy of colonization looms over these lands, the struggle for justice and recognition continues for the Indigenous communities affected.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
