Lithium is a critical mineral needed to produce batteries, which are vital for America's national security
and economic resilience. The current EV battery supply chain has a global footprint, with battery minerals
travelling an average of 50,000 miles from extraction to battery cell production (source:
rmi.org).
The U.S. currently produces less than 1% of the global supply of lithium. An overreliance on foreign critical
minerals could jeopardize U.S. defense capabilities, infrastructure development and technological innovation
(source: White House Executive Order).
Thacker Pass is expected to help enable a U.S.-domestic batter supply chain to enhance economic and national
security, reduce the current global carbon footprint of lithium batteries and reduce dependence on foreign
suppliers.
Extracting and processing lithium at Thacker Pass will also create economic opportunities by creating
well-paying jobs during construction and operations. Construction of Phase 1 is expected to create
over 2,000 jobs in northern Nevada. Phase 1 operations
is expected to create 350 full-time positions for mining and chemical processing professionals, as well as
management and support staff.
GM has a 38% interest in Thacker Pass and a 20-year offtake agreement for up to 100% of Phase 1 and up to 38%
of Phase 2 production volumes.