California Lithium Project Gains Expedited Permitting Under FAST-41

California Lithium Project

The California lithium project at Hell’s Kitchen has been selected for expedited federal permitting, marking a major step in strengthening the US domestic critical minerals supply chain. The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council announced the project’s inclusion under the FAST-41 program, designed to streamline approvals for large-scale infrastructure projects critical to national security.

Federal Backing for US Lithium Production

The Hell’s Kitchen Critical Minerals and Power Project near the Salton Sea will become the first US facility to extract and process lithium using geothermal brine. The project aims to produce lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate, both vital for the fast-growing US battery industry. By using geothermal steam and electricity, the plant will generate its own renewable power, reinforcing its role as a model for sustainable mineral extraction.

Reducing US Reliance on Foreign Minerals

The project’s selection reflects a broader federal push to reduce dependence on foreign critical minerals, particularly as global supply risks intensify. China currently dominates the lithium refining sector, but the US government is seeking to diversify supply. Hell’s Kitchen joins several other initiatives on the Federal Permitting Dashboard, a public tool tracking the review process for projects critical to national and economic security.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The inclusion of Hell’s Kitchen under FAST-41 signals strong federal intent to accelerate domestic lithium production. By combining renewable energy with mineral extraction, the project sets a precedent for low-carbon critical minerals production in the US. Its success could help reshape global supply chains while strengthening national energy security.