The McDermitt Caldera is a vast volcanic landscape that straddles the Oregon–Nevada border. Formed by a massive eruption roughly 16 million years ago, it is home to sagebrush steppe, important wildlife habitat, working ranches, and the ancestral lands of the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe. In recent years, the region has attracted international attention after geologists identified one of the largest known lithium deposits in North America there.

Lithium is a key component in many rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and consumer electronics. As governments and industries seek to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, demand for lithium has grown rapidly. Supporters see domestic lithium production as essential to the transition to renewable energy, while critics raise concerns about environmental impacts, cultural resources, and the costs borne by rural communities. A possible mine on the Oregon side of the McDermitt Caldera sits at the center of those questions.

The McDermitt region is home to people whose lives are deeply connected to the land. Tribal members, ranching families, wildlife biologists, and others have spent generations living and working in this remote landscape. As the possible mine moves forward, they are confronting difficult questions about economic opportunity, cultural preservation, conservation, and the future of the places they call home. Their experiences offer a window into the challenges and tradeoffs emerging in communities across the American West and beyond.

The Caldera had its festival premiere at Bend Film Festival in 2026 and is screening at festivals and community events around the region. It is not available online yet, and comes to Independent Lens on PBS in Spring 2027. Visit our screenings page for upcoming dates, or join the mailing list to hear when a screening is near you. If you'd like to host one, get in touch.