Lithium Americas raises Thacker Pass Phase 1 capital cost estimate to $3.83 billion
LAC•Lithium Americas raised its Thacker Pass Phase 1 capital cost estimate to $3.83 billion from $2.93 billion. Fiscal 2026 capital expenditure guidance increased to $1.7 billion–$2 billion from $1.3 billion–$1.6 billion.
1. Higher project costs
Lithium Americas raised the Thacker Pass Phase 1 capital cost estimate, including contingency, to $3.83 billion from $2.93 billion. The incremental funding requirement of approximately $995 million is expected to be covered through company contributions and available DOE loan reserves.
2. Schedule and output
Mechanical completion remains targeted for late 2027, with ramp-up to commercial production expected in 2028. At full capacity, the Nevada project is expected to produce 40,000 tonnes of battery-quality lithium carbonate annually.
