Press release from Searles Valley Minerals
As of Nov. 13, 2025, Searles Valley Minerals and the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority have agreed to a settlement of certain litigation with respect to the IWVGA’s Groundwater Sustainability Plan. However, the comprehensive groundwater adjudication continues, and Searles will continue to actively participate in it.
“Searles is pleased to resolve its dispute with the GA over the Replenishment Fee and the GSP and end the uncertainty and financial demands coming from the IWVGA,” said Dennis Cruise, SVM President and CEO. “We will continue, however, to work with all of our community partners in the Indian Wells Valley to ensure that only the best available science is used to determine the basin’s safe yield and to manage the basin through a fair and sustainable physical solution in the comprehensive groundwater adjudication.” To that end, Searles will continue to participate in the groundwater adjudication, including to actively participate in the June 2026 safe yield trial and in the subsequent determination of a physical solution for the Basin. Searles also continues to strongly oppose AB 1413, which could deny the pumpers in the Indian Wells Valley their day in court on the Basin’s safe yield.
The resolution of the financial dispute with the GA is a positive development for Searles, providing a definitive resolution to this longstanding issue and foreclosing any past or future Replenishment Fee, or similar fees, on Searles. The company produces critical minerals while contributing $675 million to the regional economy including nearly 1,200 direct and indirect jobs. The favorable resolution of this issue allows Searles to continue these significant contributions
About Searles Valley Minerals: Searles Valley Minerals is a leading producer of industrial minerals, dedicated to supporting the local economy, providing jobs, and implementing sustainable practices to protect the environment and community resources. Learn more at svminerals.com.
