Critical Mineral Mining on Private Lands

Mining for critical minerals on private lands in the United States requires several considerations. Without strong regulatory oversight, it can reduce biodiversity and degrade habitats and is associated with massive amounts of waste. That waste can contain toxic contaminants such as arsenic, mercury, andiron sulfide, posing long-term risks to water resources. Currently, the U.S. lacks a comprehensive framework for managing mine waste and the resulting water pollution. Environmental Impact Assessments are another tool to predict and mitigate negative environmental impacts associated with extractive activities such as mining.

Nearby communities and workers may also be affected by mining for critical minerals. A substantial portion of known U.S. lithium deposits are located near Native American reservations, making the clean energy transition inseparable from the interests and rights of Indigenous communities. Additionally, mining workers and communities near private land operations often face gaps in protections and opportunities for workers to participate in safety decisions can be limited.

NWF's Climate and Energy Policy team has created topical fact sheets covering these issues with policy gaps and recommendations. View individual fact sheets below or download them all here.