In late July 2025, ProPublica released an investigative report exposing the extent of government surveillance targeting environmental and Indigenous protesters at the Thacker Pass lithium mine in Nevada. The mine, a high-profile project tied to the U.S. clean energy transition, has faced strong opposition from local tribes, ranchers, and environmental groups since 2021. The report revealed that federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security—monitored protest activities for months, using social media tracking, drone surveillance, and security footage shared by the mining company itself.
The revelations have sparked national concern, especially among advocates of civil liberties. Many of the protestors engaged in peaceful activities, such as prayer ceremonies, sit-ins, and public demonstrations, focused on protecting sacred Indigenous lands and local ecosystems. Critics argue that treating these groups as security threats—rather than legitimate stakeholders—undermines democratic values and inflames community mistrust. Indigenous leaders, in particular, denounced the surveillance as a continuation of historical patterns of marginalization, where state-backed projects proceed without their consent or cultural consideration.
This case underscores the fragility of social license to operate (SLO), especially for extractive projects framed as “green” or sustainable. Despite legal approvals and federal support, the Thacker Pass mine’s social legitimacy has eroded due to a lack of early, inclusive consultation and a heavy-handed response to dissent. It highlights that clean energy goals must not come at the cost of human rights or cultural respect. For mining companies and governments alike, this incident serves as a warning: achieving a just energy transition requires more than minerals—it requires trust, transparency, and meaningful engagement with those most affected.