McDermitt Lithium Project
Unlocking Oregon’s Critical Minerals: Why State Control Matters for the McDermitt Lithium Project
Why is this important to Oregon
Southeast Oregon holds one of the largest lithium deposits in the United States. The McDermitt Lithium Project (HiTech Minerals / Jindalee) sits primarily on the Oregon side of the McDermitt Caldera in Malheur County — on roughly 7,200 acres of federal public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
This is a textbook example of the problem Forests for Oregon was created to solve.
Federal ownership keeps the decision-making — and much of the long-term benefit — in Washington, D.C. Oregon communities live with the impacts of exploration and potential development, yet the land remains under federal control. Permitting, environmental rules, revenue sharing, and priorities are set by federal agencies rather than by Oregonians. History shows that federal management of public lands in the West has often prioritized distant agendas over local jobs, local revenue, and practical stewardship.
What the opportunity looks like under current federal control A 2024 Pre-Feasibility Study outlines a multi-decade project with significant potential:
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Approximately 1,000 construction jobs during a multi-year build phase backed by roughly $3 billion in investment.
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Approximately 600 permanent operational jobs once in production, with projected direct wages exceeding $50 million per year.
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A 63-year project life producing battery-grade lithium carbonate for the American market.
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Strong projected returns that could generate substantial economic activity in a rural region that needs it.
These are real numbers that could transform Malheur County and support broader Oregon prosperity. But under federal ownership, Oregon has limited ability to shape the terms, capture a greater share of the value, or ensure the project is developed in a way that prioritizes Oregon workers, Oregon tax revenue, and Oregon standards.
The Case for State Control
If these lands were under Oregon’s jurisdiction — as Forests for Oregon advocates for federal forest and public lands across the state — Oregon could:
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Set clear, predictable permitting processes that balance development with local needs.
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Negotiate stronger local-hire preferences and community-benefit agreements.
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Direct more of the economic returns (taxes, royalties, and secondary spending) into Oregon communities and the state treasury.
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Apply practical, science-based standards developed by Oregonians rather than one-size-fits-all federal mandates.
This is the same principle we apply to our forests: land managed for the benefit of the people who live here produces jobs, revenue, and resilience. Land locked under distant federal control too often produces delays, conflict, and missed opportunity.
Current Status
The BLM approved expanded exploration in December 2025. Additional drilling is planned (weather and fire conditions permitting) to support a full Feasibility Study. The project remains early-stage, but the scale of the resource is already clear.
Maps of the Oregon Project Area
