Lithium Americas selects ABB to electrify Thacker Pass, North America’s largest known measured lithium resource

Once operational, Thacker Pass will produce up to 40 000 metric t of lithium carbonate annually, supporting the manufacture of batteries for approximately 800 000 electric vehicles per year.

As demand for electric vehicles and energy storage accelerates, Thacker Pass is set to help strengthen the US domestic lithium supply chain. ABB’s involvement will help ensure the mine and processing facilities operate with high efficiency, safety, and sustainability from the start.

Working alongside Lithium Americas and their engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) company Bechtel, ABB will be responsible for providing a comprehensive suite of latest-generation electrification technologies, including switchgear, motor control centres, variable speed drives, auxiliary power distribution packages and site-wide power management system, all integrated within optimised electrical buildings ready for field deployment. These solutions are engineered for durability and performance in remote, demanding environments and are fully integrated with ABB’s digital platforms to optimise energy use, asset health, and operational productivity.

“This collaboration with ABB marks an important milestone in our journey to safely and responsibly produce lithium from Thacker Pass,” said Richard Gerspacher, EVP Capital Projects, Lithium Americas. “ABB’s technology and expertise will support our efforts to deliver lithium for the US market, creating economic benefits for American workers, companies and communities.”

“Thacker Pass is a blueprint for the future of mining – electrically and digitally optimised,” said Björn Jonsson, Global Business Line Manager for Mining & Materials at ABB Process Industries. “We’re proud to support Lithium Americas in building a resilient lithium supply chain for energy independence.”

ABB’s scope includes full project management and engineered solutions across the lifecycle, from concept to deployment readiness, with specialised electrical power distribution and digital power management system housed in modular electrical buildings. These compact, robust systems integrate ABB’s low and medium voltage technologies and digital power management technologies to enhance safety, reliability and uptime.

The project aligns with ABB’s global eMine™ approach and portfolio, which supports the transition to all-electric mines through integrated electrification, automation and digital systems. ABB’s technologies are designed to help mining companies reduce CO2 emissions, improve energy efficiency and meet sustainability targets without compromising productivity.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/04112025/lithium-americas-selects-abb-to-electrify-thacker-pass-north-americas-largest-known-measured-lithium-resource/