In reference to the January 2022 timeline Judge Du had some specific comment:

"The Court specifically committed to do its best to issue a merits decision by early 2022. The Court understands from the Hearing that this is before any construction is likely to begin on the Project, as it is very unlikely that any construction would begin until the snow melts in the spring of 2022."

Also of note in the document ( link provided again by WB DT, thanks WB DT!!):

"the Court understands that much of Plaintiffs’ irreparable harm argument from its Motion regarding Lithium Nevada imminently starting construction on the Project itself (ECF No. 23 at 45-46) is now moot considering the Federal Defendants’ representations that Lithium Nevada may not start construction on the Project until it successfully completes its historic properties treatment plan (“HPTP”), and obtains several additional required permits, and Lithium Nevada’s representation that it does not plan to start construction on the Project until 2022 assuming it can obtain all required permits.5 In sum, Plaintiffs conceded at the Hearing that they seek to show irreparable harm solely based on the digging Lithium Nevada hopes to conduct this summer in accordance with the HPTP."

So the present effort by Plaintiff in Federal Court was to stop the digging associated with the HPTP, Historic Properties Treatment Plan, which now can proceed.  

Onward through the FOG!  Go LAC!  And again, THANK YOU, WB DT!!

Okiedo