Lithium Americas says Thacker Pass to produce 40,000 tonnes/year of battery-quality lithium carbonate
LAC•Lithium Americas says Thacker Pass is expected to produce 40,000 tonnes of battery-quality lithium carbonate annually, with Phase 1 mechanical completion targeted for late 2027; the project’s updated capital cost estimate rose to $3.83 billion from $2.93 billion.
1. Project update
Lithium Americas said Thacker Pass is expected to produce 40,000 tonnes of battery-quality lithium carbonate per year, with Phase 1 mechanical completion targeted for late 2027 and ramp-up through 2028. The updated project capital cost estimate is $3.83 billion, up from $2.93 billion; the company said its FY2026 Phase 1 capital expenditure guidance is $1.7 billion to $2 billion and anticipated capital costs are expected to remain funded.
2. Loan amendment
Lithium Americas said an omnibus waiver, consent and amendment to its Department of Energy loan was signed on November 10. The amendments will decrease the sustaining capital reserve account funding requirement by about $30 million, and contributions will increase the company’s ownership percentage in the Thacker Pass joint venture; it is working with the DOE and GM to finalize implications for joint-venture interests.
