Lithium Americas advances Thacker Pass construction, targets 2027 production, boosts workforce, and strengthens North America’s lithium supply chain amid rising demand.
Lithium Americas has shared a comprehensive progress update on its flagship Thacker Pass lithium project, highlighting key milestones achieved during 2025, capital expenditure plans for 2026, and the ongoing advancement of Phase 1 construction activities. The company described 2025 as a transformative and defining year, with substantial progress made across engineering, procurement, and on-site construction.
According to President and CEO Jonathan Evans, the project has entered a critical execution phase, with visible development taking shape at the site. He noted that major processing facilities are steadily rising, while deliveries of essential equipment and construction materials are occurring on a continuous basis. This momentum reflects careful planning and efficient coordination across teams, ensuring that the project remains aligned with its targeted timeline.
Evans underscored that safety continues to be the company’s foremost priority as construction activities intensify. With a growing workforce and increasing operational complexity, stringent safety protocols and training programs are being implemented to maintain high standards across the site. The company expects to reach peak construction employment of approximately 1,800 skilled workers by the end of the year, marking a significant scale-up in labor deployment as Phase 1 progresses.
The broader market context is also becoming increasingly favorable. Lithium demand, driven largely by the rapid growth of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions, is showing signs of strengthening. This improving market outlook aligns well with the project’s anticipated production timeline, as Thacker Pass is expected to begin operations in late 2027, followed by a gradual ramp-up to full production capacity through 2028.
Evans further highlighted the strategic significance of Thacker Pass, positioning it as a cornerstone in the development of a secure and resilient lithium supply chain in North America. The project is expected to reduce reliance on imported critical minerals and support domestic manufacturing of batteries and clean energy technologies. He also acknowledged the importance of collaboration with government bodies, noting that partnerships with federal, state, and local authorities have been instrumental in advancing the project.
From a financial standpoint, Lithium Americas has outlined a capital expenditure (Capex) estimate ranging between $1.3 billion and $1.6 billion for Phase 1. This budget framework is designed to support the completion of construction and commissioning activities within the planned schedule. The company remains confident that disciplined cost management and execution will enable it to meet its development targets while maintaining financial stability.
Overall, the Thacker Pass project continues to gain momentum as one of the most significant lithium developments in the region. With construction advancing steadily, strong institutional support, and favorable market dynamics, Lithium Americas is positioning itself to play a crucial role in the global energy transition and the expansion of electric mobility.
