A federal district court judge has granted a temporary restraining order sought by the Hualapai Tribe to freeze a lithium drilling operation that is endangering their lands, including a sacred medicinal spring called Ha’Kamwe’ in the Big Sandy River watershed. The Tribe, represented by Earthjustice and Western Mining Action Project, sued the Interior Department and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) earlier this month, after the federal agencies approved a plan to drill over 100 holes reaching depths of 360 feet into the aquifer that feeds Ha’Kamwe’.

Duane Clarke, Chairman of the Hualapai Tribe, said: “Today our people celebrate the granting of the temporary restraining order, but understand our fight is not over. We will continue to bring awareness to the protection of our water.”

Tribal members today use Ha’Kamwe’, also called Cofer Hot Springs, for important ceremonial and cultural purposes. Its waters are fed by the Big Sandy River and other nearby aquifers that could be severely and permanently damaged by drilling. Hualapai community members are currently camping at Cholla Ranch and Ha’Kamwe’ to raise awareness of the threats facing the area.

The Hualapai Tribe has voiced its concerns to environmental agencies since 2019, when Australian mining company Arizona Lithium began exploration activities in the area. Instead of working to address the Tribe’s concerns, BLM approved the Sandy Valley Lithium Exploration Project on June 6, which would allow the company to drill and test up to 131 exploration holes across 21 acres of BLM-managed public land with an eye towards a future full-scale mine.

“Like other Tribal Nations who for centuries have stewarded the lands across this country, the Hualapai people are under siege by mining interests trying to make a buck off destroying their cultural heritage,” said Earthjustice Attorney Laura Berglan. “We are in court because of the federal government’s failure to protect Tribal rights.”

In addition to the temporary restraining order, the Tribe is also seeking a preliminary injunction, which would extend the pause on drilling for the duration of the legal case. The court will hold a hearing on that motion on Tuesday, September 17.