The United States government has acquired a stake in the Thacker Pass project, which is the largest lithium deposit in the country and ranks among the key ones globally. The U.S. Department of Energy has restructured the loan agreement with Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) and General Motors, resulting in the American state obtaining warrants for 5% of the company’s shares and 5% in the joint venture. This move will create a strategic domestic lithium reserve necessary for the development of the national automotive industry and energy sector.
This is reported by Business • Media
Scaling Production and the Role of Thacker Pass
Currently, the only lithium producer in the USA remains Silver Peak, which covers only a small portion of domestic demand. The launch of the first phase of production at Thacker Pass will meet approximately 10% of the American market’s lithium needs. Full implementation of the project could provide the country with energy independence and open opportunities for lithium exports between 2035 and 2040. The main goal is to achieve an annual production volume of 160,000 tons of LCE (lithium carbonate equivalent).
Investments and Strategic Importance for Ukraine
In 2024, General Motors made an investment of $625 million in the development of the Thacker Pass deposit, allowing the company to acquire a 38% stake in the project. All products produced during the first phase will be used to support electric vehicle production.
Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yegor Perelygin emphasized the importance of monitoring such projects, particularly in terms of scaling production capacities. Ukraine pays significant attention to studying the U.S. experience to implement effective approaches in its own strategic resource extraction sector.
“It is important for our state to keep track of such projects, especially how production scaling will be carried out.”