Beatty, Nev. – A federal lawsuit filed Tuesday by the Center for Biological Diversity seeks to secure Endangered Species Act protection for the Amargosa toad (Anaxyrus nelsoni) and the Oasis Valley speckled dace (Rhinichthys nevadensis). The suit targets the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), which has yet to issue a final ruling on the species’ status despite a 12‑month deadline that has now passed.
Mining plans raise water‑use concerns
The two species inhabit spring‑fed wetlands along the upper Amargosa River, a fragile ecosystem that could be jeopardized by expanding gold‑mining operations. AngloGold Ashanti, a major mining company, is moving forward with the North Bullfrog Mine and the larger Arthur Project. The North Bullfrog Mine alone is projected to consume roughly 387 million gallons of water each year, while the Arthur Project’s orebody is estimated to be ten times larger.
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, such groundwater withdrawals could diminish river flows or even dry up the springs that sustain the toad and the tiny speckled dace, which measures only a few inches in length. Both organisms are considered integral components of the Amargosa River ecosystem.
Federal agency’s delayed response
The Center first petitioned the FWS for protection in 2024. In 2025 the agency issued a “may be warranted” finding but has not completed the required final determination. The lawsuit argues that the agency’s inaction violates the Endangered Species Act’s statutory timelines and leaves the species vulnerable as mining permits advance.
“We cannot allow mining plans to proceed while the fate of these unique Nevada species hangs in the balance,” said Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin director for the Center for Biological Diversity. “Federal protection is essential to ensure that water withdrawals do not destroy the habitats these animals depend on.”
Potential outcomes and next steps
If the court orders the FWS to issue a final decision, the agency could list the Amargosa toad and Oasis Valley speckled dace as threatened or endangered. Such a listing would trigger stricter water‑use regulations, require mitigation measures for mining projects, and potentially halt or modify permits that could harm the wetlands.
AngloGold Ashanti has not commented on the lawsuit. The Bureau of Land Management continues to review the North Bullfrog Mine application, and the Arthur Project remains in the planning stage.
Local significance
Beatty and surrounding communities rely on the Amargosa River for recreation, tourism, and limited agricultural use. Protecting the river’s natural flow aligns with broader regional interests in preserving water resources in an arid part of the state.
The lawsuit underscores a growing tension between Nevada’s mining industry—an important economic driver—and conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding the state’s unique wildlife and water supplies.
What residents can do
Members of the public may submit comments to the FWS during the court‑ordered review period. The Center for Biological Diversity encourages locals to stay informed about permit applications and to support habitat‑preservation initiatives.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
