When lithium mining starts, who benefits, and who’s at risk? Inside this Salton Sea case

Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for to receive a weekly look at how people in the I.E. are living, learning and working. Critics of a proposed lithium mine near the Salton Sea entered round two of their fight to force stricter environmental review of the project.

It’s the latest stage in a legal impasse over the massive lithium project. Environmental groups are trying to make sure nearby residents get the benefits of lithium production, while guarding against harmful impacts. The company says critics are using court challenges to stall an important energy project.

The nonprofits Comite Civico del Valle and Earthworks filed arguments with the Fourth District Court of Appeal last week, asking th