Bechtel applauds green light for Thacker Pass

Thacker Pass is now the largest measured lithium reserve and resource in the world, and has the potential to become an unmatched district, generating American jobs and helping the US regain independence of its energy supply. The project is a crucial part of US efforts to build a domestic supply of lithium and other critical minerals.

Thacker Pass is owned by a joint venture between Lithium Americas and General Motors, with Lithium Americas as the manager. Thacker Pass recently obtained a US$2.26 billion loan from the US Department of Energy to help fund the project.

Once construction of the initial phase is complete, Thacker Pass will single-handedly produce eight times the current total US output of lithium carbonate.

It will take about three years to build the 642-acre plant complex with 600 000 ft2 of processing, administrative, and warehouse buildings.

Reflecting on the importance of Thacker Pass to critical US interests, Ailie MacAdam, President of Bechtel’s Mining & Metals business, said:

“It is impossible to overstate the strategic importance of Thacker Pass. Lithium battery technology is a key driver in electrification of transportation and energy storage. Having a reliable domestic supply of lithium will be critical to America’s economic competitiveness and energy security. The Thacker Pass project represents a game-changing advance in this effort.

“Thacker Pass will help enable a completely domestic supply chain for electric vehicle batteries, from mining to chemical processing to battery production. Even better, Lithium Americas is setting a standard for future projects in North America by working responsibly, sustainably, and in cooperation with government at all levels.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/08042025/bechtel-applauds-green-light-for-thacker-pass/