Lithium Urban[i]ties TRAVELOGUE
Looking at an estranged landscape from uptop - flying to Reno
Pranjli
TRAVEL DAY: ANN ARBOR TO RENO
On the edge of life-abled landscapes: Water within the dessert. Mushrooms nurtured by the Paiute Tribe! Ended our day with a gift of “question and thought”
Pranjli
DAY 1: RENO-HAWTHORNE
Can rural aspirations be nurtured beyond corporate ambition? Life behind the scenes in a corporate American Mining town
Pranjli
DAY 2: HAWTHORNE-TONOPATH
Certainly, when examining historical territorial divisions, the most pervasive force comparable to colonial powers in the element of water. Throughout history, water bodies such as oceans seas rivers have often acted as natural barriers and conduits, shaving the movement of civilization and the establishment of territories.
Pranjli
DAY 3: TONOPATH-BOULDER CITY
Visiting a historic gold-mining site and seeing the ecological footprint had me second guessing my consumerism - my jewelry. Should jewelry boxes have caution for mining like smoking packs do for cancer? Mock up artwork of a miner’s settlement gave us a sneak peak into their lives, could we think of better temporal structures?
Ever wondered where the raw materials of your iphones, gold jewelries and super cool electric cars come from? Let’s find out
Iliya
TRAVEL DAY: ANN ARBOR TO RENO
How clean is the clean energy transition? A sharp contrast between the built and the semiarid landscapes of Nevada raises the question, can we eat our cake and have it, or do just we roll the dice and hope for the best?
Iliya
DAY 1: RENO-HAWTHORNE
Permanence, temporality, hope and everything in between. Energy regimes come and go. These ghost times are a testament of the boost and burst cycles of ages past. Part of silverpeak yearns for the companionship it once had, but the broken part of it tells it the lithium era is no different from its predecessor and that when all is set and done, she will be left high and dry!
Iliya
DAY 2: HAWTHORNE-TONOPATH
From exploration, mining to post mining, the character of the mining site changes to reflect the activities happening (or not happening). One generation's trash becomes another generation's artifact, and soft dusty tailings gradually turn hazards.
Iliya
DAY 3: TONOPATH-BOULDER CITY
Can human intervention on natural landscapes be considered sustainable The All American canal and the Hoover dam project makes us reconsider our definition of sustainability and the idea of completely leaving nature untamed
Iliya
DAY 4: BOULDER CITY-BARSTOW
Two flights later and we make it to Reno. This city can only be described as a landscape of consumer culture, architectures of addiction, and appropriation.
Ahmed
TRAVEL DAY: ANN ARBOR TO RENO
Where there is water, there is life: Exploring the various water bodies that make up the Nevada landscape Clean, polluted, artificial, and depleting are just a few words to describe the variety of water conditions present
Ahmed
DAY 1: RENO-HAWTHORNE
Post-human landscapes in Silver Peak, NV. Automotive artifacts from a time long gone, mobile homes, and derelict structures scatter this other worldly landscape. The sounds of barking dogs, smells of dry desert sand, and feeling of uneven terrain as you navigate make it feel as though this landscape has transcended human habitation, serving purely as a pass-through site for the adjoining beast of a mine.
Ahmed
DAY 2: HAWTHORNE-TONOPATH
Territories of Extraction: One person’s trash is another generation’s treasure. Scattered remnants turned artifacts dot the Tonopah Mining Park’s Landscape. Preserving history with minimal intervention leaves behind a contradictory legacy. These landscapes appear to be minimally designed, and offer a somewhat hap-hazardous experience to curious guests Expendable labour fuels the money making machine. Mine fires, ‘widow-making’ equipment, deafening machinery, and 1000 ft deep mine shafts characterise the conditions the ambitious miners had to put up with. The danger they faced is often presented as almost a necessary sacrifice to extract such riches from below the Earth’s surface. Is there a way where we can change how this narrative is explained? Can we shed light on the lives lost in pursuit of perceived limitless wealth?
Ahmed
DAY 3: TONOPATH-BOULDER CITY
A glorious past reckons with an uncertain futureA visit to the Hoover Dam revealed many key insights. The entire experience was curated to display the incredible engineering behind the dam itself and the energy it generates. More than this, however, nationalistic infused portrayals, stories, and symbolism can be found everywhere, sometimes subliminally and other times outright. This begs the question of whether we’re presented with a complete image. While the construction of the dam was nothing short of incredible, can its impact on the environment be more accurately documented and represented as well? Can we also look towards the future using the dam as a symbol? The low reservoir, owing to reduced rainfall in recent years, could spark conversations about seemingly limitless energy/water use in the region.
Ahmed
DAY 4: BOULDER CITY-BARSTOW
Mining makes the world go roundA wise guide told us that two things are needed for life; farming and mining. Everything else is an offshoot of that. This explains the sheer scale of this Borax mine in California, which began operating exactly 100 years ago. Offshoot lithium extraction from mining waste makes the site ever more productive, but the fact still stands that this highly disruptive pit is a literal hole in the ground. What could the site be turned into decades in the future when it’s ‘productivity’ runs out?
Ahmed
DAY 5: BARSTOW-BRAWLEY
Renewable energy overload (and a little bit of art on the side)The Salton Sea can be seen lined with geothermal plants, rows and rows of farmland, and the occasional dormant volcano. The Coachella Canal, found right outside the mysterious ‘Slab City’, ensures that water flows into the Imperial Valley all the way from the Colorado River. A bonus trip to Palm Springs’ Art Museum was such a contrast to anything we’ve seen on this trip. Highly manicured, neat, and screams of money, all within a short drive of some of the most rural sites of the US!
Ahmed
DAY 6: BRAWLEY-PALM SPRINGS
BRB selling my jewelry to go gamble
Kopal
TRAVEL DAY: ANN ARBOR TO RENO
A water wonderland? For a dessert town, which is notorious for their lack to water we sure found a lot of water around. From a little river flowing past an Indian territory, to visiting sportsman’s beach and seeing the startling depletion of water within a decade, to a superfund site of an old copper mine with a pool of (semi-toxic?) water. All this water offers the naive question, is it all a lie and this truly is a water wonderland? BRB opening up a new water park soon
Kopal
DAY 1: RENO-HAWTHORNE
Contemplated petting an angry ostrich, the temporality of buildings in Silver peak village, speeding, and visiting my local clown hotel. Also saw a huge tube of boiling salt that was generating electricity from the sun. I think salt just solve the energy crisis. BRB speeding to Vegas
Kopal
DAY 2: HAWTHORNE-TONOPATH
Visited Goldfeild and Tonohpah, two (historic?) mining towns where bean cans are artifacts. We made three friends along the way, our tour guide at Mizpah mining museum, a local miner who showed us around an open pit gold mine and a cloaked man riding a bike, but only to find out when I got close there was no man… Learned a lot about mining - we saw two previously underground gold mines about 1,000ft deep. BRB befriending a rattlesnake to avoid getting bitten.
Kopal
DAY 3: TONOPATH-BOULDER CITY
“It all started with an explosion 💥 “ We visited the Hoover dam today and learned about the temporality of water especially in the southwest. Before 1930’s the Colorado river was a friend and a foe, there were times of flooding and severe drought. The dam was made out of ‘compulsion’ to ensure a reliable water source for Arizona, California, South Nevada and New Mexico. Curbing the fear of flooding or drought through an engineering feat which made the vast urbanization of Vegas possible. This is an engineering and water wonderland. BRB hitting up the gym to be as swole as the Power plaque.
Kopal
DAY 4: BOULDER CITY-BARSTOW
We visited the largest open pit mine in California today. An old underground mine turned into a pit spanning a whopping 2 miles in length and 3.5 miles in width. Learned about Borax and it’s interconnectedness in our everyday lives from being used in fiberglass, pesticides and toothpaste. Also the borax mine is looking at a pilot project exploring how lithium can be extracted from the Borax tailings to produce battery grade products, further extending the mines reach and lifespan. BRB protecting the Turtle/ Pardner at all cost.
Kopal
DAY 5: BARSTOW-BRAWLEY
We visited the Salton Sea today. A desolate water body couple hours from Palm Springs, interspersed with factories/ processing infrastructures. When standing on the road, between a larger tank connected to the factory, and a water inlet area to the river one could see the intermittent flow of water every few minutes signaling the release of water from the factory directly into the river. Is it toxic water? Is that what is responsible of the limited ecology and human interaction with this ‘recreational area?’ Once in Palm Springs we visited a wind farm, outlining the history and technology behind harnessing wind for energy. Palm Springs has consistent wind making it an ideal location for this farm, especially after the energy crisis in 1970’s when tax incentives for renewable energy sources were booming. We learned about historic wind turbines, their strengths and shortcomings which paved the way for modern wind turbines where one of the larger (400ft) tall turbine generates as much energy as the entire solar farm combined. BRB going to buy an RV to feel at home in Southern Nevada/ Western California.
Kopal
DAY 6: BRAWLEY-PALM SPRINGS
Can’t wait to start this trip and say Hi to Reno!
Becky
TRAVEL DAY: ANN ARBOR TO RENO
As the journey into the heart of The Tahoe Reno Center, I found myself immersed in a landscape where the harmonious coexistence of industry and nature is on full display. One of the interesting finding is this steel train crisscross the landscape, The TRIC would like to rely on freight railroads to receive and transport goods and materials. Also, water sources play a vital role in sustaining both nature and the industries that thrive here.
Becky
DAY 1: RENO-HAWTHORNE
There are so many post human scenario happening here. Abandoned vehicles in the town make a contrast between the former industrial vitality and the vacant right now. We also had a nice trip to see the actual mining site which is super meaningful seeing all the activities that happen on the site.
Becky
DAY 2: HAWTHORNE-TONOPATH
We have see a tons of post-mining situations in this magic historic mining park. The park is the home for all the mining equipments and structures that was happened in the mining boom in Tonopah. I also learned a lot from the local miner who we met after our lunch time. All the questions for the living situation he is facing right now inspired me about my final project.
Becky
DAY 3: TONOPATH-BOULDER CITY
It was nice to see this world-famous concrete masterpiece in our trip. The exhibition clearly tells the story behind the dam, Boulder City, and Las Vegas which make me to think about the relationship behind this master project and the scenarios of post mining towns that related to the mining project.
Becky
DAY 4: BOULDER CITY-BARSTOW
Flying from Michigan to Nevada, the most noticeable thing is the very dry air and barren land. Sometimes we saw geometric shapes of agriculture, or massive mountains of mines, or meandering rivers cutting through the arid landscape, this was our first impression!
Jamie
TRAVEL DAY: ANN ARBOR TO RENO
The Tahoe Reno Industrial Center (TRIC) stands as a privately owned industrial park within the expansive desert landscape, where human presence is a rarity. Nestled in this vast expanse is a colossal Gigafactory that exclusively caters to the needs of both Tesla and Panasonic. This magnificent building, operated by the mighty Tesla, is heavily guarded, and anyone attempting to approach it is greeted by a formidable security guard at the entrance. Despite its massive size, covering a staggering 5.4 million square feet, the facility is virtually impermeable to non-employees, shrouded in secrecy. One wonders if the Gigafactory could be compared to a contemporary company town, or more aptly, an urban empire. When Koolhaas’ "countryside" exhibition in Guggenheim Museum catching attentions, we are now asking who is the architect building these buildings? Switch, a globally recognized leader in future-proof data center design, has its most advanced data center campus in the world – also known as The Citadel Campus in Nevada. However, when we pass by, what we see is a fortress-like existence. Nowadays, in this information-driven life, the importance of "place" seems to be decreasing its value. As an information factory, how do you think about the design of such an area? Will there be no people in the future?
Jamie
DAY 1: RENO-HAWTHORNE
Silver Peak is one of the oldest mining communities, but shows no signs of prosperity. While it may lack the bustling energy associated with boomtowns, its current existence has been given new meaning thanks to the Albemarle Lithium Corporation, which is currently mining brine in the area. It is characterized by tailings that stretch like silent hills, abandoned machines that are artifacts of a bygone era, and a few makeshift houses that have become permanent homes for the residents. The residents of Silver Peak have adopted a unique approach to self-sufficiency. Some have turned their homes into small farms, nurturing life in the arid environment. Others diligently grow vegetation and build greenhouses, adding a touch of green to an otherwise rugged landscape. This unconventional way of life in Silver Peak sets it apart from the typical mining town or any carefully planned urban center. It is a testament to human adaptability and resilience in challenging environments, and breathes new life into this historic mining community.
Jamie
DAY 2: HAWTHORNE-TONOPATH
Located on top of a hill overlooking the entire town, Tonopah Historic Mining Park is an educational sanctuary on the site of an old silver mining operation. This outdoor museum immerses visitors in the stories and experiences of the era through carefully designed trails and informative signage. Here, we are on a journey to explore the rich history of mining and envision the profound impact it had on the town. Tonopah is a historic town where the indelible mark of mining can be seen on every street and in every home. As we stand at the high point of the outdoor park overlooking the town, we see the lasting effects of the mining era etched into the fabric of the community. The Tonopah Historic Mining Park is more than just a collection of relics; it is a living educational experience that allows us to travel back in time and appreciate the ongoing resonance of history in this remarkable town.
Jamie
DAY 3: TONOPATH-BOULDER CITY
In 1931, in the heart of Nevada's arid desert, Hoover Dam rose as a monumental feat of engineering. Harnessing the power of the Colorado River, it not only symbolized control over water resources, but also had a profound effect on the prosperity of the surrounding region. This massive structure, far beyond human scale, was not originally designed for human interaction. Today, however, we see it as an extraordinary tourist attraction that allows us to marvel at this massive project from a variety of perspectives. A visitor center built into the wall at the base of the mountain adds a fascinating dimension to our exploration. It provides a unique vantage point from which to view the Hoover Dam from a different perspective. This man-made landscape is a witness to human ingenuity and a prime example of how people have adapted and celebrated this monumental structure. It is a space where nature and engineering coexist in harmony and where mankind truly appreciates this engineering marvel.
Jamie
DAY 4: BOULDER CITY-BARSTOW
The Tahoe Reno Industrial Center (TRI) is a 1.6 million square foot industrial business park in Reno, Nevada. Not only is Tesla Gigafactory 1, but many of the foremost tech companies in the world, such as Blockchains, Google, Jet.com, and Switch, have recognized TRI's unique location, development, and business benefits. During the tour, we noticed that it continues to expand and tender, as reflected in the construction site [1]. Commercial blocks that supply factory workers and construction crews include dentists, tobacco stores, and fast food restaurants, such as Taco Bell, Burger King and Port of Subs, and Bank of America [2]. These can, to some extent, increase the willingness of staff to work here. The busy trucks coming and going are also indicative of the industrial boom [3]. The historic Anaconda Copper Mine Site is a one-mile long, ½ mile wide, 810 feet deep abandoned open pit copper mine and processing facility in Lyon County’s Mason Valley, in western Nevada [5]. It has a blue surface, and speculation is that it may be associated with the elemental copper leached from the mine. Simple shacks and fixed mailboxes can be seen around it [4], providing a reference for community residential around minerals.
Wenqing
DAY 1: RENO-HAWTHORNE
Silver Peak is one of the oldest mining communities in Nevada. Now, it is used as the site for Lithium operation by Albemarle Corporation (formerly Chemical Foote). In this ghost town, we can see traces of past prosperity, such as the old United States Post Office[1], the Silver Peak Library[2], a school for the surrounding towns [5], and recreational facilities [4], some of which are still in use. There are carriages used for living [2], which gives us a sense that it is not an affluent neighborhood. Several hotels and restaurants in the area closed due to the mining industry's decline, leaving only empty houses. This tour was helpful in my study of the lithium community. First, it got me thinking about the amenities necessary for a town around lithium mining-a post office, homes, possibly a library and recreational facilities (even a gym), and the rest of the family, such as schools and restaurants (rather than a cafeteria), if this was a mining site with a long-term operation.
Wenqing
DAY 2: HAWTHORNE-TONOPATH
We had come to Tonopah the night before and listened to the owner at the Chinese restaurant talk about the town's history and rumors-minerals and ghosts. On the third day, we visited Tonopah Historic Mining Park, which encompasses portions of four of the original major mining companies and covers more than 100 acres [1]. A house with a road in its lower part can be seen in a schematic representation of a procedure for extracting, selecting, and transporting ore [2]. Surprisingly, in a room filled with various mineral tools, we can see a schematic of a living space [3][4]. It reminds me of the live cells in the Soviet blueprint for factories - beds, a desk, cramped rooms, an unshown communal cafeteria, and other shared community function areas. We met staff working in the mining industry in the restaurant where we had lunch and were fortunate enough to visit the site where he worked and hear his presentation [5]. In the early stages of mineral excavation, a tedious series of core digs are required to determine the location and depth of the ore. For them, the work cycle of 30 days of work + 15 days off defines their specific needs for the work environment, such as recreational needs, which also further refines my ideal lithium community.
Wenqing
DAY 3: TONOPATH-BOULDER CITY
We took the Power Plant Tour of Hoover Dam, which offered tours of the pressurized water mains and eight commercial generators [1]. The Hoover Dam exhibit also has a lot of information about the community [2]. Some attractive Ling and Meaning are listed in the "Working The Puddle" panels, such as Greenhorn - a new worker/rookie, and Candy Wagon - A lightweight truck. There are Job Titles for various workers, their duties, and hourly wages. In the "Housing The Workers" panel, we learn that Boulder City, a town of schools, churches, recreational facilities, and other amenities, took a year to build [3]. We also viewed the concrete dam [4] and the appearance of the hydroelectric machinery [5] from the top.
Wenqing
DAY 4: BOULDER CITY-BARSTOW
In one of the largest industrial parks in the world Tesla, FedEx, bio-diesel, and PetCo conduct their operations in massive, cookie-cutter warehouses. The roads feel improvised and meandering, rail lines crisscross the site at will. This site is still productive but he Anaconda Copper mine and Sportsman’s Beach at Walker Lake are reminders that these places will not always exist in their current states. The consequences of extraction can be felt at both the mine and the lake.
Mardy
DAY 1: RENO-HAWTHORNE
Beyond the old Victor Silver Mine head-frame (ca. 1900), the Crescent Dunes thermal solar plant (2011) rises in the distance. Silver and gold mining in Tonopah made fortunes and saved the state of Nevada from bankruptcy. Today companies are betting on solar energy to help save the state from its reliance on fossil fuels. The remnants of industry, like the abandoned buildings of Silver Peak, sit next to the lithium factories and refineries of Albemarle. Despite the surging prices of lithium, it’s clear that none of these dividends are making their way to the local people.
Mardy
DAY 2: HAWTHORNE-TONOPATH
Miniature piles of waste rock surround the open pit mine in Goldfield, but despite being waste, may still have more gold than the literal dirt other companies are currently reprocessing. During the mining boom, miners treated their canvas tents with linseed oil to improve the material’s wind and water resistance – one of the few methods for creating comfort. In the control room no ear protection was worn so operators went deaf quickly, but got paid upwards of 5x the salary of their coworkers in the mines.
Mardy
DAY 3: TONOPATH-BOULDER CITY
The Hoover Dam is striking in its scale. Everything about it is extreme, from the dam itself to the landscape, to the transmission towers which hang off the sides of the cliff faces. The narrative presented at the Hoover Dam is still ensconced in the narrative of American exceptionalism and manifest destiny. The Colorado River’s swelling as the mountain snows melt, and receding as the summer drags on is cast not as a natural rhythm upon which ecosystems have come to rely upon, but a wild, unpredictable and destructive force which needed to be tamed and subjugated. I found the parallels between the U.S government’s treatment of the river and First Nations Peoples disturbing. There was a small portion of the exhibit dedicated to wildlife, and there was a very brief nod to a tribal reservation in a voice over, but that was all.
Mardy
DAY 4: BOULDER CITY-BARSTOW
The borax mine in Boron California is larger than pictures can describe. It is about 2x3.5 miles, and every bench is about 50 ft. The trucks that they use to haul away the borates for processing are the size of a 2 story house. Borates in various chemical forms are, like lithium in an exceptionally wide range of products. They are in soaps and detergents, in chemical stabilizers, fiberglass insulation, ceramic and glass enamels, fertilizers, and pesticides just to name a few applications. This mine provides 30% of the world’s borax. They are also expanding production to lithium since recently finding it in their waste material. In the Morongo Valley, which is as dry as the rest of south-eastern California, there is a verdant patch of trees and plants, not made possible by human irrigation or an oasis, but an exceptionally high water table. It’s the only green visible for miles.
Mardy
DAY 5: BARSTOW-BRAWLEY
The Salton Sea is huge, and while there are probably places where recreation is possible, everywhere we saw and stopped looked like a wasteland or was by some kind of industry water dumping site. Despite being created by the accidental diversion of the Colorado River, the sea is highly saline (more than the Pacific Ocean), and its salt concentration is only increasing. Palm Springs is home to thousands of wind turbines, taking advantage of the consistently windy conditions generated by the desert to the east and the passage between the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountains. Despite the extreme number of turbines in the area, there are still natural gas plants nestled amongst them to carry the load when the wind stops blowing or can’t meet demand.
Mardy
DAY 6: BRAWLEY-PALM SPRINGS
Amazing trip from ANN ARBOR to RENO. What impressed me most is the unique vegetation and large scale of industry zone
Shaoqun
DAY 1: RENO-HAWTHORNE
Silver peak is a meaningful case for us to study, like its community features, and people‘s lifestyle who living here. Also the lithium mining is amazing but the air pollution is severe.
Shaoqun
DAY 2: HAWTHORNE-TONOPATH
Historic mining park–how to use lithium/mining resource to design a landscape
Shaoqun
DAY 3: TONOPATH-BOULDER CITY
Hoover dam is a amazing projects and the SPHERE is also a big miracle during different time
Shaoqun
DAY 4: BOULDER CITY-BARSTOW
Howdy Reno! Look at these serene landscapes and the glimpse of the only Lithium mine in the US - Silver Peak Mine.
Prakriti
TRAVEL DAY: ANN ARBOR TO RENO
Our journey commenced with an exploration of the industrial landscapes around Reno, encompassing sites such as Tesla, FedEx, and several others. En route to Hawthorne, we encountered the Anaconda Copper Mine, a testament to abundant water reserves that, unfortunately, proved unsuitable for safe use. This led us to ponder over the practices of these industries—how they harness resources within these landscapes only to render them unusable after years of extraction.
Prakriti
DAY 1: RENO-HAWTHORNE
Silver Peak’s Tailing Landscape + interaction with non-humans
Prakriti
DAY 2: HAWTHORNE-TONOPATH
The vibrant red packaging stands out amidst the rugged machinery, showcasing a glimpse of miners’ life and their requirements. The remnants hint at a past bustling with life, urging us to contemplate the efficiency and functionality of this space during its operational days. This reflection sparks thoughts about the comfort and working conditions these miners experienced.
Prakriti
DAY 3: TONOPATH-BOULDER CITY
The marvel that is Hoover Dam tells a story of sharing and innovation. Picture the contrasting hues of the rocks in Nevada and Arizona, a testament to time and the enduring presence of this engineering marvel. Hoover Dam has been a lifeline, equipping us with the prowess to distribute water efficiently in many states. This iconic structure stands as a symbol of resourcefulness and collaboration, providing sustenance to many cities in the region.
Prakriti
DAY 4: BOULDER CITY-BARSTOW
During our pit stop at Morongo Canyon Preserve, we didn’t encounter any new animal friends. Yet, the experience allowed us to reflect on how consumed we are with creating our built environment, often detaching ourselves from nature. It’s when we intentionally seek these simple pleasures away from the urban landscape that we truly cherish and connect with the natural world.
Prakriti
DAY 5: BARSTOW-BRAWLEY
Palm Springs was a perfect end to the trip with beautiful visit to the wind farm and looking at the beautiful at pieces in the museum.
Prakriti
DAY 6: BRAWLEY-PALM SPRINGS
Vegetations & Animals & Climate The desert areas of Nevada produce shrubs and cacti. The full extent of vegetation also reflects the local precipitation. Most of the landscape is desert, with green fields only visible near river valleys and pastures. We never saw large animals on our road trip, although road signs pointed to animals such as bison and bighorn sheep.
Jiayin
TRAVEL DAY: ANN ARBOR TO RENO
Anaconda Copper Mine Lithium Pollution After Mining The processing of copper-oxide ore involves large amounts of sulfuric acid, leading to the contamination of large tracts of land south of the Anaconda mine. How to dispose of contaminated tailings has become a concern for NDEP and EPA. Although the lake looks blue and clear, the water contains excessive levels of arsenic, lead, copper and zinc. The situation at the Anaconda Copper Mine is sobering. In the treatment of ore mining, we should not only pay attention to the change of the environment in the short term of construction, but also consider the long-term impact on the environment. Although the ore brings considerable economic benefits, people should be aware that tailings disposal often requires a higher cost of time and money.
Jiayin
DAY 1: RENO-HAWTHORNE
Silver Peak America’s only active lithium mine. As we drove through the endless lithium mines, I couldn’t imagine how many people and vehicles were active on this land. Many employees greeted us along the way. These young people are enthusiastic and friendly. According to Albemarle, there are 65 employees and 10 contractors at the Silver Peak site. The average fully loaded compensation package is about $94,000 a year.
Jiayin
DAY 2: HAWTHORNE-TONOPATH
Tonopah Historic Mining Park Deafening machinery, 1,000-foot deep mines, and rudimentary tents are all too familiar to 20th-century miners. When we as visitors in the 21st century look down on the deep mines, can we peek into the hardships of some miners? If we think of the mine as a bridge across time, and the equipment left by the current people becomes a relic, how should the later people evaluate the history of the time? Is it violent and bloody? Or rich? Will we lament the insignificance of human beings? The cold iron and the wooden structure tell a silent story of the past, but we can’t find people who worked there to talk. When a bird lands on the railing of a mine, we can’t help but think of freedom.
Jiayin
DAY 3: TONOPATH-BOULDER CITY
Through the airplane window, we see the landscape taking shape over Nevada.
Leo
TRAVEL DAY: ANN ARBOR TO RENO
Even in the desert, middle of nowhere, it's not isolated. Still these factories influence our lives and animals’. The Silver State features plenty of creatures. From the first designated endangered species to wild horses, pronghorn antelope, and more, some of America’s favorite wild creatures thrive in Nevada’s millions of acres of wildlife refuges. Out here, wildlife can truly be wild, often on private and public land that’s remained untouched for thousands of years—and in some cases nowhere else on Earth.
Leo
DAY 1: RENO-HAWTHORNE
Silver Peak is a unique place where you witness remnants of the past, while the factories and mines embrace progress through new technologies.
Leo
DAY 2: HAWTHORNE-TONOPATH
We visited the old mines to learn about how people used to extract silver from the rocks. Fortunately, we also had the chance to observe how modern mining companies operate.
Leo
DAY 3: TONOPATH-BOULDER CITY
The Hoover Dam supports one million people's lives. Also, the dam is not working alone, the whole system includes secondary dams, organizations, and many people's hard work.
Leo
DAY 4: BOULDER CITY-BARSTOW
From the airplane, we have a glance of what it looks like living in a hinterland. We are amazed by the fantasy landscape and artifacts separated throughout the land. Now we know, they are mines. A symbol of wealth, a symbol of production, a symbol of human impact; Also, a symbol of exploitation, a symbol of pollution and a symbol of anti-humanity
Yunyang
TRAVEL DAY: ANN ARBOR TO RENO
We witness a lot of linear elements today. Electricity wires, solar farms, railway and irrigation system. We may also imagine the invisible lines connecting this hinterland to the far further, Through the array of mailboxes and through the peaceful polluted copper lake.
Yunyang
DAY 1: RENO-HAWTHORNE
Mountains, lakes, plants and volcanos, What does it actually mean when we talk about ‘beautiful’ views? We are trying to express our cherishness to the spirit of the place alive; We are trying to show our respect to nature; We are trying to appraisal our managing to live in this vast and desolate place
Yunyang
DAY 2: HAWTHORNE-TONOPATH
Who are we and where do we come from, When our past has been buried under the land; When what we built has been hidden among the mountains; When what we excavated has been transferred to a new home? What is left? Where are we?
Yunyang
DAY 3: TONOPATH-BOULDER CITY
Today, we see the power of ‘infrastructure’. Hoover dam, An integration of hydraulic engineering, irrigation system, political impact and economy and job security, Comes from the history and stays alive.
Yunyang
DAY 4: BOULDER CITY-BARSTOW