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Lithium Americas marks opening of lithium technical development center in Nevada

In photo front left to right: Brian Sandoval, University of Nevada, Reno President; Jonathan Evans, President & CEO; Steve Sisolak, Governor of Nevada; Littlestar Abel; Maria Anderson, the Company’s Community Relations Manager; members of the Tribe; and Lithium Americas’ staff.

VANCOUVER — Lithium Americas Corp. marked the inauguration of its Lithium Technical Development Center (LiTDC) in Reno, Nevada, USA, with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jul. 20. Lithium Americas’ President and CEO, Jonathan Evans, was joined by Nevada Governor, Steve Sisolak; and University of Nevada, Reno President, Brian Sandoval. The LiTDC was developed to demonstrate the chemical process designed for the Company’s Thacker Pass lithium project in Humboldt Country, Nevada in an integrated process testing facility.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Official opening of Lithium Technical Development Center. Inauguration of the Company’s 30,000 ft² lithium process testing facility in Reno, Nevada.
• Facility commissioned and operating as planned. Production commenced in June 2022 to replicate Thacker Pass’ flowsheet from raw ore to final product in an integrated process.
• Lithium carbonate samples achieve battery-quality. Facility achieving battery-quality specifications with product samples being produced for potential customers and partners.
• Early-works construction on track to commence in 2022. Federal appeal moving forward with briefings scheduled to be complete August 11, 2022, and oral arguments and a final decision expected shortly thereafter. The Company has all permits to commence construction. During construction, Thacker Pass is expected to employ over 1,000 workers.
• Process underway to appoint engineering construction contractor. The Company has issued a request for proposal (RFP) from short-listed engineering, procurement and construction management firms (“PCM) to perform detailed engineering, execution planning and manage Thacker Pass’ construction.

“Addressing climate change remains a defining issue for the United States, and here in Nevada we have the chance to make a major difference in reducing carbon emissions while serving as an economic engine for America’s electrification,” said Governor Steve Sisolak. “Through the technological expertise of Lithium Americas and the research capacity of University of Nevada, Reno, the Lithium Technical Development Center being commissioned today is a shining example of the productive public-private partnerships that we are fostering across the state to power economic growth and responsible use of resources. This is a fantastic achievement for all involved that puts Nevada firmly at the center of the U.S.’s clean energy leadership.”