Nevada’s Governor Joe Lombardo provided critical updates on the progress of the $3bn Thacker Pass lithium project. The facility is deemed one of the most significant energy and critical minerals developments underway in the United States. This is according to a news release from his office. It was great to see the tremendous progress underway at Thacker Pass,” Lombardo noted.

“The scale of development here is remarkable and a testament to the hardworking men and women building this facility.” The remarks were noted after the governor had visited the site earlier last week on Friday. Thacker Pass is being developed by Lithium America and also General Motors. Moreover, the project sits atop the largest known lithium resource in North America. It is expected to become one of the most important domestic sources of lithium for electric vehicle batteries and advanced technologies.

Once complete, the Thacker Pass lithium project will be fundamental to facilities such as the StarPlus Energy gigafactory complex in Kokomo, Indiana, which is expected to become one of the largest EV battery manufacturing hubs in North America. Other projects supporting the EV facility include the recently inked Samsung SDI deal. 

Updates Provided by Lombardo’s Tour on the Thacker Pass Lithium Project

Lombardo praised the Thacker Pass and Lithium Americas team for the work they are doing to move the project forward. “This investment will bring strong economic development to Nevada, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and strengthening Humboldt County’s economy…” He also noted it will position the state as a leader in the responsible development of critical minerals and advanced energy.

Project leaders emphasized the development represents a $3 billion investment and will also deliver major long-term economic benefits for Nevada and the United States. The move comes at a time when the country works to strengthen its domestic supply of critical minerals. Latest construction highlights include crews developing a mile by a half-mile area for the project’s processing facilities. Also, more than 15 cranes are being used on site, including the largest crane operating in Nevada. Roughly 900 skilled construction workers are on site each day to build the facility.

However, peak construction employment is projected to reach up to 1,800 workers. Once operational, the project’s first phase is expected to produce 40,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually. It will also help establish a domestic supply chain for the growing electric vehicle and battery manufacturing industries. Nonetheless, Thacker Pass representatives thanked Lombardo for helping advance the project.

Project Factsheet

Overview

• Project Value: $3 billion
• Project Type: Lithium mining and processing facility
• Resource Base: Largest known lithium resource in North America
• Primary Output: Battery-grade lithium carbonate for electric vehicle batteries

Key Developers

• Lead Developer: Lithium Americas
• Strategic Partner: General Motors

Location

• County: Humboldt County
• State: Nevada
• Country: United States

Status

• Project Phase: Under construction

Site Development:

• Processing facilities being developed across a 1 mile by 0.5 mile construction area
• Also more than 15 cranes operating on site
• Includes also the largest crane currently operating in Nevada

Workforce:

• Current workforce: 900 workers
• Peak construction employment also up to 1,800 workers

Production Capacity

Phase 1 Output:

• 40,000 metric tons per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate