Under the Microscope: Activists Opposing a Nevada Lithium Mine Were Surveilled for Years, Records Show
3 minute readPublished: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 9:00 am
Mining Project Sparks Surveillance Concerns in Nevada
A proposed lithium mine in northern Nevada is at the center of a growing conflict between Indigenous activists and law enforcement, according to documents reviewed by ProPublica. The Thacker Pass mine, backed by a Canadian company, has drawn opposition from the People of Red Mountain, a group concerned about potential water pollution and damage to culturally significant sites.
Internal communications reveal that multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, have been monitoring the protesters. These agencies have tracked social media activity and collaborated with private mine security. The FBI's involvement includes a joint terrorism task force that focused on Thacker Pass.
Activists, including Kaila Farrell-Smith, have expressed concerns about being treated as potential domestic terrorists. They point to a history of government surveillance of Indigenous rights movements. The mining company, Lithium Americas, has stated that it is working with local Indigenous communities and offering to build projects. However, the activists remain steadfast in their opposition, citing the sacredness of the land and the potential harm to cultural heritage.
The situation at Thacker Pass mirrors a broader trend of conflict between Indigenous communities and mining interests, particularly as the demand for lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries, surges. The development of the mine has received bipartisan support, but the project has also faced challenges, including a recent notice regarding groundwater usage.
BNN's Perspective:
While the need for renewable energy sources is undeniable, the potential for overreach by law enforcement in monitoring peaceful protests is concerning. It is crucial to strike a balance between facilitating industrial development and protecting the rights and cultural heritage of Indigenous communities. Transparency and accountability are essential to ensure that the energy transition does not come at the expense of civil liberties.
Keywords: Thacker Pass, lithium mine, Indigenous rights, FBI surveillance, People of Red Mountain, mining protests, law enforcement, environmental activism, renewable energy, climate change, Indigenous communities, surveillance, domestic terrorism, Lithium Americas, Nevada.