PHOENIX — Members of an Arizona tribe are trying to persuade a federal judge to extend a temporary ban on exploratory drilling for a lithium project near lands they have used for religious and cultural ceremonies for centuries. The case is among the latest legal fights pitting Native American tribes and environmentalists against President Joe Biden’s administration as green energy projects encroach on lands that are culturally significant. The springs have served as a place of healing and prayer for generations, the tribe has said in court filings. Federal land managers also are expected to issue a draft environmental review of a lithium mine planned by Australian company Ioneer Ltd. between Reno and Las Vegas. Backers of Arizona Lithium’s project include the Navajo Transitional Energy Company, which announced its plans in 2022 to join with the Australian company and work as a contractor on the project.

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Persons: Joe Biden’s, Thacker, Ha’Kamwe ’, ’, NTEC, Hualapai Organizations: PHOENIX, of Land Management, Arizona Lithium Ltd, Ioneer, Center for Biological Diversity, Mining, Historic Preservation, Environmental, Government, Navajo Transitional Energy Company Locations: Arizona, U.S, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Nevada, Oregon, Reno, Sandy, Colorado