Lithium Americas (LAC) Corporate presentation summary
Event summary combining transcript, slides, and related documents.
Corporate presentation summary
21 May, 2026Project overview and strategy
Thacker Pass is the largest lithium project in the U.S., targeting 40,000 t/y battery-grade lithium carbonate in Phase 1, with expansion potential up to 160,000 t/y across five phases and an estimated 85-year mine life.
Mechanical completion of Phase 1 is targeted for late 2027, with commercial production ramping up in 2028; detailed engineering is over 95% complete and early commissioning expected in Q4 2026.
The project is a joint venture: 62% owned by the company and 38% by General Motors, which has a 20-year offtake agreement for up to 100% of Phase 1 and 38% of Phase 2 production.
Thacker Pass is located in Nevada, considered the top global jurisdiction for mineral investment, with strong government and community support.
The project is vertically integrated, using proven processing technology and standard equipment, with no novel processes required.
Financials and funding
Phase 1 construction is fully funded through a $2.23 billion U.S. Department of Energy loan, $945 million from General Motors, and $250 million from Orion Resource Partners.
As of March 31, 2026, $1.14 billion had been spent on construction, with 2026 capex guidance of $1.3–$1.6 billion.
The DOE loan is at the U.S. Treasury rate with a 23-year tenor and includes a five-year debt service deferral.
The project’s C1 operating cost is $6,238/t LCE for Years 1–25, positioning it competitively even during lithium price downturns.
Construction and operational progress
Over 2.43 million workhours have been completed without a serious injury; over 1,065 personnel are on site, expected to exceed 2,000 at peak construction.
More than 75% of structural steel is in transit or on site, with key equipment deliveries ongoing and regional substation upgrades completed ahead of schedule.
The processing plant area is approximately 1,100 ft x 3,100 ft, with major facilities including beneficiation, sulfuric acid, and crystallization plants.
Latest events from Lithium Americas
- Q1 2026 marked a return to profit, strong liquidity, and rapid Thacker Pass project advancement.LAC
Q1 202614 May 2026 - Shareholders to vote on board size, director elections, and auditor appointment at the annual meeting.LAC
Proxy filing6 May 2026 - 2025 marked pivotal progress at Thacker Pass, with robust governance and performance-driven compensation.LAC
Proxy filing6 May 2026 - Thacker Pass construction advances with strong funding and workforce ramp-up to meet U.S. lithium demand.LAC
Q2 202521 Apr 2026 - Shareholders to vote on Board, auditor, and expanded equity plan after a transformative year.LAC
Proxy filing1 Apr 2026 - Key votes include board size, director elections, auditor appointment, and equity plan approval.LAC
Proxy filing1 Apr 2026 - Up to $1B in securities registered to fund lithium project development and corporate needs.LAC
Registration filing1 Apr 2026 - $2.26B DOE loan, $625M GM JV, and $250M Orion investment drive Thacker Pass progress.LAC
Q3 202419 Mar 2026 - Thacker Pass fully funded for 2H24 construction start; cash up, net loss in H1 2024.LAC
Q2 202419 Mar 2026