North American developer Lithium Americas has guided capital expenditure (capex) of between $1.3-billion and $1.6-billion for 2026 as construction accelerates at its Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada.

The bulk of the spend – $1.2-billion to $1.5-billion – will be directed towards Phase 1 construction, with an additional $30-million to $40-million in other capitalised development costs and $45-million to $55-million in capitalised interest on its US Department of Energy (DoE) loan.

President and CEO Jonathan Evans described 2025 as a “pivotal year” for the company as Phase 1 construction gathered pace.

“Safety remains our top priority, processing facilities are rising and critical equipment and materials are arriving daily. As planned, we expect to reach peak construction employment of roughly 1 800 skilled craftspeople by year-end. Lithium market conditions are strengthening just as the project prepares to come online in late 2027, with full ramp-up through 2028.”

Thacker Pass, located in Humboldt county, is designed to produce 40 000 t/y of battery-grade lithium carbonate in Phase 1, with mechanical completion targeted for late 2027.

As at December 31, detailed engineering was 93% complete and procurement 60% complete. 

Foundation, concrete and structural steel works are progressing across multiple processing plant facilities, including the filter building and magnesium sulfate building, while installation of certain long-lead equipment began in the fourth quarter.

Nearly 100 prefabricated pipe rack modules are being delivered to site during the first half of 2026, with the first units arriving in early January. First cable pulls on the modules are targeted for spring, and commissioning of the high-voltage power line is expected to begin in the second quarter.

All main concrete works are scheduled for completion in the third quarter, with early commissioning of individual plants expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2026. The company is also upgrading six regional substations and switching stations to support grid power, with energisation targeted for the fourth quarter.

Lithium Americas is also expanding its operations and business-readiness team ahead of commissioning and ramp-up, with pre-commissioning and process commissioning planned for late 2026 and throughout 2027.

Thacker Pass is held in a joint venture between Lithium Americas (62%) and General Motors Holdings (38%). Phase 1 financing includes a $2.23-billion loan from the DoE, alongside strategic investments from GM and Orion Resource Partners.