As the world shifts towards sustainable energy, the importance of lithium, often regarded as the “new oil,” has never been clearer. Nestled within the confines of an extinct supervolcano in the US state of north-central Nevada, an open-pit lithium mine is poised to redefine the landscape of energy production and resource extraction. With its potential applications in electric vehicle (EV) production and renewable energy storage, this mine is bound to unseat China as the world’s top lithium producer.
Thacker Pass project: The future of US lithium mining
Developed by Lithium Americas, a lithium development company based in Canada, the Thacker Pass project is located within the McDermitt Caldera supervolcano, a 19-mile x 28-mile geological formation in Humboldt County, Nevada.
This region features lithium-rich clays located beneath a 196-inch thick alluvial cap, which are essential for the planned lithium extraction and processing. Evidently, the project’s location is set to play an important role in resource extraction efforts.
Development of the project began in January 2021, when Thacker Pass received a Record of Decision from the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management. The aim of the project is to expand its production capacity in two phases, starting with 40,000 tons per annum (tpa) in the first phase and 80,000 tpa in the second phase. With a lifespan projected at 40 years, a feasibility study completed in November validated the project’s ambitious scope and sustainable practices.
Construction commenced in March 2023. The first phase of the project is expected to require a capital investment of $2.93 billion, with production anticipated to begin in 2027. As one can see, these developments indicate a promising sustainable future for both the local community and the broader economy.
Exploring the environmental impacts of how this lithium mine functions
For the first phase to be realized, Lithium Americas acquired a $2.26 billion loan from the US Department of Energy, supplemented by investments from General Motors Holdings. Upon its completion, the Thacker Pass Project will begin lithium extraction and processing.
The project is expected to unlock significant lithium reserves, estimated at 217.3 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent with a lithium grade of 3,160 parts per million. To unlock these, it will utilize open-pit mining with a modified panel method designed for environmental sustainability. With a pit depth of 394 feet, mining operations will be implemented sequentially to reduce ecological impact. A fleet of 91-tonne dump trucks, operated by excavators, will optimize efficiency.
Following extraction, the lithium will be separated from other salts such as magnesium and potassium, ultimately producing a carbonate solid suitable for global shipment. As an added method of sustainability, the project will rely on a cutting-edge water supply system sourced from wells in the nearby Quinn River Valley. Energy for this large-scale operation will be linked through a 115 kilovolt transmission line from the Harney Electric grid, ensuring a steady power supply.
What this mine means for America and the world
This mine is said to be the largest known lithium resource in America. It highlights the growing demand for lithium locally and beyond, essential for EVs and renewable energy technologies.
By advancing lithium production, America can become a key player in the global lithium supply chain, thereby diminishing China’s dominance.
Above all, the project exemplifies eco-friendly mining practices and a commitment to environmental responsibility, aligning with the world’s push for a greener future.
As the Thacker Pass project unfolds, it heralds a new era for sustainability. This initiative promises to meet the worldwide demand for lithium while minimizing environmental impact. Indeed, a cleaner, greener future seems closer than ever before.