The recent approval of a $2.26 billion loan from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to Lithium Nevada marks a significant milestone for the electric vehicle (EV) market. The funding will enable the construction of a lithium carbonate processing plant in Nevada, which will become North America’s largest source of lithium for EV batteries once it becomes operational.
The Thacker Pass mine and processing plant in Humboldt County are projected to produce around 40,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate annually. This output is enough to power 800,000 electric vehicles, making a substantial contribution to the growth of the EV industry. The project aims to increase production to 80,000 metric tons per year, further solidifying its role as a critical player in the domestic battery supply chain.
The loan will create approximately 1,800 jobs during the three-year construction process and 360 permanent positions once the plant is operational. This development will significantly impact the local economy while also addressing the need for a more stable and reliable supply of lithium for the rapidly expanding EV market.
General Motors, an investor in Lithium Nevada’s parent company, Lithium Americas, is expected to be the primary lithium carbonate buyer for the project. This partnership will further strengthen GM’s commitment to electric vehicles and its role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation.
The DOE’s Loan Programs Office views the Thacker Pass project as a strategic move to strengthen the domestic battery supply chain and reduce reliance on unstable foreign sources. This investment in the EV market will contribute positively to the industry’s growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
The Thacker Pass mine and processing plant are expected to be fully operational in 2028, providing a significant boost to the US EV market and solidifying the country’s position as a key player in the global battery supply chain.
