Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project: Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR, Nasdaq: IONR) has signed a binding Development Agreement with Esmeralda County, Nevada, to support the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project. The agreement includes a broad community investment plan and funding for major infrastructure upgrades.
Key Benefits for Esmeralda County
Significant Local Investment for Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project
Ioneer Ltd will deliver an estimated $5 to $7 million in direct community benefits during project construction. An additional $10 million will be allocated for critical road upgrades throughout the County.
These investments are in addition to the company’s planned capital spend on mine development. A third-party analysis from 2024 projected that the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project will:
- Generate $340 million annually in economic activity statewide
- Create hundreds of local jobs
- Deliver over $8.5 million annually in fiscal revenue to Esmeralda County
Funding Areas Covered in the Agreement
Under the agreement, Ioneer will support:
- Road access, improvements, and long-term maintenance
- Public safety infrastructure and emergency services
- Local hiring and workforce recruitment initiatives
- Training programs for emergency responders
- Traffic management and safety planning
- Water monitoring and usage tracking
- Invasive species prevention programs
- Support for local business partnerships
- Grant writing assistance
- Development of a mutual assistance agreement between Ioneer and the County
Community and Leadership Endorsement
“This agreement reflects years of strong collaboration with Esmeralda County,” said Bernard Rowe, Managing Director at Ioneer. “We are committed to providing the resources needed to help the County prepare for the next stage of the project.”
Local Officials Show Strong Support
- Commissioner Mary Jane Zakas praised Ioneer’s approach: “They’ve embraced the community and built this agreement with transparency and respect.”
- County Fire Chief Jeffrey Bushnell stated: “Ioneer’s investment will make the county safer and better equipped.”
- Former Commissioner Ralph Keyes added: “This deal creates major economic opportunities for residents and sets the stage for long-term growth.”
Agreement Terms and Timeline
Phased Implementation Aligned With Construction
The agreement will be implemented in three phases, matching the Rhyolite Ridge construction and early operations timeline. It includes:
- A schedule for periodic performance reviews
- Automatic two-year extensions based on County Commission approval
Official Approval and Next Steps
Esmeralda County adopted the ordinance on April 2, 2025. The agreement will take full effect after the County completes routine statutory procedures.
