Lithium Americas Corp. is a North American lithium mining company dedicated to developing the Thacker Pass project in Nevada, USA. The company focuses on producing battery-quality lithium carbonate for the growing electric vehicle market and renewable energy sectors. Listed on both the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: LAC) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: LAC), Lithium Americas operates with a clear emphasis on sustainable practices and responsible resource development. The company’s strategic position in North America makes it a significant contributor to domestic lithium supply chains, essential for reducing dependence on international sources.
Battery Technology
Lithium Americas specializes in extracting and processing lithium from clay deposits at Thacker Pass, which represents the largest known lithium resource in the United States. The company’s processing method involves an innovative clay-based lithium extraction technique, developed and validated at their Technical Development Center in Reno, Nevada. This facility, certified to ISO-9001:2015 standards, demonstrates the company’s commitment to producing high-quality lithium carbonate.
The Thacker Pass project is designed to produce 160,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually across five phases. This output will directly supply manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries, particularly for electric vehicles. The company’s processing technology ensures the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate meeting strict quality requirements for electric vehicle applications. Their method represents an advancement in sustainable lithium processing, utilizing water recycling systems and environmental protection measures throughout the extraction and refinement processes.
Recent Projects
In 2024, Lithium Americas achieved several significant milestones. The company secured a $2.26 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program. Construction at Thacker Pass continues to progress, with Phase 1 production scheduled for late 2026. The company appointed Luke Colton as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in January 2025, strengthening its leadership team for the next growth phase.
Investors
General Motors stands as the principal investor in Lithium Americas, having increased its investment to $945 million in October 2024. This partnership includes exclusive rights to Phase 1 production from Thacker Pass and represents approximately 38% ownership in the project. The U.S. Department of Energy has also demonstrated significant financial support through its $2.26 billion conditional loan commitment, reflecting government backing for domestic lithium production.
Business Details
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Website: https://lithiumamericas.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1318624