Can you provide us with an update on the latest developments at Thacker Pass?

Certainly. The US District Court, District of Nevada has set an oral hearing for the appeal of the Record of Decision (ROD) for Thacker Pass on January 5, 2023. We anticipate receiving a ruling shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, we have been progressing with preconstruction activities, which include selecting an engineering, procurement, and construction management firm, as well as hiring key personnel for the development and construction of Thacker Pass. We are also assessing potential investment, partnership, and supply agreements to support the development of a North American supply chain. Additionally, we are making headway with the US Department of Energy Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing loan program application.

At Lithium Americas’ Lithium Technical Development Center (LiTDC) in Reno, we continue to operate based on the Thacker Pass flowsheet. We have processed raw ore to final battery-quality lithium carbonate, and as of September 2022, over 100 t of lithium ore have been collected at Thacker Pass to produce product samples for potential customers and partners. The LiTDC is also conducting ongoing test work to de-risk each step of the flowsheet, with results that are in line with our expectations. We aim to complete a feasibility study (FS) for Q1 2023, which will reflect ongoing feedback from the strategic partnership and financing process, incorporate the results of LiTDC operations, and align with the anticipated timing of the ROD appeal ruling.

Could you provide us with more information on the decision-making process behind the recent split of Lithium Americas into two lithium firms?

After a thorough review, we have decided to proceed with a separation. We have two industry-leading lithium operations that are potential near-term solutions in addressing the global supply deficit, and each is distinct in terms of market dynamics, funding requirements, and the path to full production. A separation would allow us to unlock the full potential of each region’s significant asset base to maximize value for shareholders and all stakeholders. It would also accelerate long-term growth by enabling us to grow and scale more quickly if we were independent.

 Can you provide more information on Lithium Americas’ community initiatives in Nevada?

In October 2022, we signed a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe, which is the closest tribe to Thacker Pass, approximately 60 kilometers away. This agreement established a framework for continued collaboration and defined long-term benefits for the Tribe. The CBA is the result of years of engagement, job training, and relationship-building between our company and the Tribe. The CBA provides the Tribe with additional training and employment opportunities, as well as support for cultural education and preservation. Moreover, we have agreed to construct an 8,000 square feet community center for the Tribe that includes a daycare, preschool, playground, cultural facility, and communal greenhouse to support reclamation efforts and provide income for the Tribe.

To what extent will Thacker Pass leverage new technologies?

Thacker Pass is designed to have low water consumption and will rely heavily on water recycling to meet its needs. The operation will be a Zero Liquid Discharge facility, which is intended to prevent the discharge of industrial wastewater into the environment. This is an extensive commitment because it means all water that is filtered from tailings must be evaporated or recycled for reuse within the site’s production process. Thacker Pass will be reusing or recycling every drop of water over seven times, with an average recycling rate of 86%.