(Kitco News) - Lithium Americas (TSX: LAC) (NYSE: LAC) today announced the commencement of construction at its 100%-owned Thacker Pass lithium project in Humboldt County, Nevada, following the receipt of notice to proceed from the Bureau of Land Management.
In a press release, the company said that Thacker Pass is targeting 80,000 tonnes per annum of battery-quality lithium carbonate production capacity in two phases of 40,000 tonnes per annum, respectively.
Phase 1 production is expected to commence in the second half of 2026. The project is expected to create 1,000 jobs during construction and 500 jobs during operations.
The company added that construction at Thacker Pass commenced following the favorable ruling from the US District Court, District of Nevada for the issuance of the Record of Decision, where the Federal Court confirmed the permitting process for Thacker Pass was conducted thoroughly and responsibly.
“Starting construction is a momentous milestone for Thacker Pass and one we have been working towards for over a decade,” stated President and CEO Jonathan Evans. “We are excited about the prospect of generating economic growth in Northern Nevada and playing a major role in the domestic lithium supply chain for electric vehicles.”
Lithium Americas is focused on advancing lithium projects in Argentina and the United States to production. In Argentina, Caucharí-Olaroz is advancing towards first production and Pastos Grandes represents regional growth. In the U.S., Thacker Pass has commenced construction and is targeting first production in the second half of 2026.
