It should be out of the ground as soon as possible, according to Joe Biden. As a result, its exploration is dividing communities that are usually on the same side of a political issue.

Environmentalists and native people disagree over whether to support or oppose a new rush for this “white gold.”

Glen Miller, a former board member of Great Basin Resource Watch, says the environmental community is divided on this issue.

Thacker Pass, 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) above sea level, was where the diggers moved in March. An ancient volcano formed the region, which is characterized by sagebrush valleys and desolate mountain peaks.

Lithium Americas won its bid to mine the area after years of legal battles. According to Mr Biden, he wants the US to be the world leader in electric cars, and to mine the lithium that is key to making them.

According to him, America imports “close to 100%” of its lithium from countries like Australia, Chile, and China.

However, some environmentalists believe mining more lithium is a bad idea. Environmental damage is caused by mining operations. We have to be very careful how we permit these things,” says Great Basin Resource Watch director John Hadder.

Changing habits can reduce demand for minerals. One thing I’m really concerned about is lost opportunities to address climate change.

Mr Hadder’s group has been fractured by the mine.

Last year, Mr Miller resigned from its board after supporting the mine.