https://apnews.com/article/lithium-mine-endangered-snail-species-nevada-9a596733d10e3d63a56cce194eb70fce

RENO, Nev. (AP) — Opponents of the nation's largest lithium mine under construction want U.S. officials to investigate whether the project in Nevada already has caused a drop in groundwater levels that could lead to extinction of a tiny snail being considered for endangered species protection.

Environmentalists and Native American activists are demanding that the U.S. Interior Department address what they say is new evidence that bolsters their concerns about Lithium Americas’ planned open pit mine at Thacker Pass. The footprint of mine operations will span about 9 square miles (23 square kilometers).