Lithium Americas Increases Mineral Resource and Reserve for Thacker Pass
(All amounts in US$ unless otherwise indicated)
Jonathan Evans, President and CEO, commented, “We are excited to release the results of our Thacker Pass Technical Report that demonstrates the multigenerational opportunity for transformational growth the Project creates. Thacker Pass is now the largest measured lithium reserve and resource in the world and has the potential to become an unmatched district, generating American jobs and helping the
HIGHLIGHTS
-
Proven and Probable (“P&P”) mineral reserve estimate of 14.3 million tonnes (“Mt”) lithium carbonate equivalent (“LCE”) at an average grade of 2,540 parts per million (“ppm”) lithium (“Li”), an increase of
286% since the November 2022 Feasibility Study1; supports an expansion of up to five phases with an 85-year mine life. -
Measured and Indicated (“M&I”) mineral resource estimate of 44.5 Mt LCE at an average grade of 2,230 ppm Li; an increase of
177% since the November 2022 Feasibility Study. -
Expansion plan targeting 160,000 tonnes per year (“t/y”) of battery-quality lithium carbonate (“Li2CO3”) production capacity in four phases of 40,000 t/y each, respectively (“Phase 1,” “Phase 2,” “Phase 3” and “Phase 4”), with a sulfuric acid plant without an additional Li2CO3 production circuit as Phases 1-4 are expected to have excess capacity (“Phase 5”). Phase 4 expansion incorporates a direct rail line from
Winnemucca to Thacker Pass. -
Project economics for an 85-year life of mine (“LOM”) (“Base Case”) and an optimized production scenario for years 1-25 of the 85-year LOM (“Years 1-25” or “Production Scenario”). Both the Base Case and Production Scenario use a price assumption of
per tonne of Li2CO3.$24,000 -
Average annual EBITDA2 for the Production Scenario is estimated at
per year and$2.2 billion per year for the Base Case.$2.1 billion -
Production Scenario after-tax net present value (“NPV”) of
at$5.9 billion 8% discount and19.6% after-tax internal rate of return (“IRR”), and Base Case after-tax NPV of at$8.7 billion 8% discount and20.0% after-tax IRR.
-
Average annual EBITDA2 for the Production Scenario is estimated at
-
Production Scenario operating costs (“OPEX”) of
per tonne lithium carbonate produced, and Base Case OPEX of$6,238 per tonne lithium carbonate produced.$8,039 -
Capital cost (“CAPEX”) estimates for Phase 1 of
(as previously disclosed in March 2024), Phase 2 of$2.93 billion , Phase 3 of$2.33 billion , Phase 4 and 5 together of$2.74 billion , based on cost estimates from Q2 2024 and include a$4.32 billion 15% contingency. - Construction of each of Phases 1 through 4 is expected to be spaced four years apart, with Phase 5 beginning at the same time as Phase 4.
- Phase 1 is expected to create nearly 2,000 jobs during construction and approximately 350 full-time jobs during operations. Over the LOM, an average of approximately 1,100 full-time employees are expected to support mining and processing operations. Additional jobs are expected to be created in the local communities through ancillary and support services, such as transportation, maintenance and supplies.
- Phase 1 is targeted for completion in late 2027. The Company is targeting to announce the final investment decision (“FID”) for Phase 1 in early 2025. Bechtel is the engineering, procurement and construction management (“EPCM”) contractor for the construction of Phase 1.
1 For more details, refer to the Company’s Feasibility Study entitled “Feasibility Study National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report for the Thacker Pass Project
2 Earnings before income, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) is a non-GAAP financial measure, refer to Non-GAAP Measures for more information.
PROJECT IMPROVEMENTS
The Thacker Pass Technical Report results reflect continuous improvement initiatives, including optimizing the mine plan and incorporating results of test work completed at the Company’s Lithium Technical Development Center.
The Thacker Pass deposit allows the mine to have multiple grades of ore exposed at any given time, enabling flexibility to deliver optimum ore blends as needed to maximize economics. The Company has developed an optimized mine plan which allows an approximate
Process optimizations and engineering development updates include:
- Beneficiation circuit: the number of decanter centrifuges reduced from six to four.
- Counter-current Decantation (“CCD”) thickeners: smaller diameter.
- Filter presses: reduced from eight membrane type to four recessed chamber type.
- Brine evaporators: reduced from three to two.
- Sulfuric acid plant for Phase 1 through 4: size of plant reduced from the previous 3,000 tonnes per day (“t/d”) sulfuric acid to 2,250 t/d sulfuric acid, reducing the transportation and consumption of liquid sulfur.
- Final polishing step where low levels of calcium and magnesium are removed: improved reaction parameters in the calcium precipitation circuit reduce loading on ion exchange.
- Reagents: reduced soda ash consumption in the lithium carbonate circuit.
To maximize the life of mine, ore control parameters would be lowered after the construction of Phase 1 through 5 is completed. Phase 5 would consist of a 3,000 t/d sulfuric acid plant and a brine plant to supplement feed to the processing plants of Phases 1 through 4, to maintain their nominal production capacity at 40,000 t/y.
Estimated OPEX for Years 1-25 is approximately
TECHNICAL REPORT SUMMARY
December 2024 Thacker Pass Technical Report Results (US$) |
Production Scenario
|
Base Case
|
|
Mineral resource (Measured & Indicated) |
44.5 Mt LCE at a grade of 2,230 ppm Li |
||
Mineral reserves (Proven & Probable) |
14.3 Mt LCE at a grade of 2,540 ppm Li |
||
Ore reserve life |
85 years |
||
Operational life |
25 years |
85 years |
|
Nominal production capacity |
160,000 t/y Li2CO3
|
||
Mining method |
Continuous open-pit mining |
||
Processing method |
Sulfuric acid leaching |
||
Metallurgical Recovery |
|
|
|
Initial capital costs – Phase 1 |
|
||
Initial capital costs – Phase 2 |
|
||
Initial capital costs – Phase 3 |
|
||
Initial capital costs – Phase 4 and 5 (includes rail) |
|
||
Sustaining capital costs |
|
|
|
Operating Costs (average) (per tonne LCE) |
|
|
|
Lithium carbonate price assumption (per tonne) |
|
||
Average Annual EBITDA (per year) |
|
|
|
After-tax NPV @ |
|
|
|
After-tax IRR |
|
|
|
CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE
Construction of Thacker Pass to reach total nominal design capacity of 160,000 t/y of Li2CO3 is planned over five phases. Each of Phases 1 through 4 are expected to be spaced 4 years apart with Phase 5 beginning at the same time as Phase 4. Construction of Phases 2 through 5 is expected to occur over a 13-year period, from the start of Phase 1 first production. Phase 4 expansion includes a direct rail line to Thacker Pass for the transportation of raw materials and finished product. The lithium carbonate production plants for Phase 1 through 4 is expected to have excess capacity that would take brine feed from Phase 5 to maintain their nominal production capacity of 40,000 t/y. Additional required permitting for Phases 2 through 5 will be initiated following the completion of Phase 1 construction.
Thacker Pass Expansion by Phase |
Phase 1 |
Phase 2 |
Phase 3 |
Phase 4 |
Phase 5 |
Sulfuric Acid Plant Capacity (t/d) |
2,250 |
2,250 |
2,250 |
2,250 |
3,000 |
Nominal Design LCE Production (t/y) |
40,000 |
40,000 |
40,000 |
40,000 |
- |
Beneficiation circuit |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Leaching, Neutralization & CCD circuits |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Magnesium and calcium removal circuit |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Partial |
Lithium carbonate production plant |
X |
X |
X |
X |
- |
Construction of Phase 1 commenced in early 2023 and the Company is targeting to announce FID in early 2025. Bechtel is the EPCM contractor for the construction of Phase 1. In Q4 2024, the Company provided Bechtel and other major contractors with limited full notice to proceed to de-risk the construction schedule and continue to target completion in late 2027.
Current work at Thacker Pass for Phase 1 includes excavation of the process plant (now over
CAPITAL COST ESTIMATE
Total estimated CAPEX for the development of Phases 1 through 5 for total nominal production of 160,000 t/y of lithium carbonate is
CAPEX for Phase 2, 3, 4 and 5 is derived from Phase 1 estimates. CAPEX for Phases 2 and 3 benefits from established mine and plant infrastructure from Phase 1. CAPEX for Phases 4 and 5 include the addition of one processing plant, two sulfuric acid plants and a direct rail line to Thacker Pass.
Thacker Pass CAPEX Estimates
|
Phase 1 |
Phase 2 |
Phase 3 |
Phase
|
Additional
|
Mine |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
Process & Sulfuric Acid Plants |
|
|
|
|
- |
Infrastructure Relocation |
- |
|
- |
- |
|
Rail expansion |
- |
- |
- |
|
- |
Total Development Capital |
|
|
|
|
|
Sustaining capital costs for Years 1 through 25 total
Sustaining Capital Cost Estimate (US$ millions) |
Production Scenario
|
Base Case
|
Mine including equipment capital |
|
|
Mobile equipment |
|
|
Process plants and infrastructure |
|
|
Third-party capital repayment |
|
|
Total sustaining capital cost |
|
|
OPERATING COST ESTIMATE
OPEX include raw materials, labor, utilities, maintenance materials, supplies and outside services and tailings. Reagents for the sulfuric acid plant and process plant account for approximately
Summary of Thacker Pass OPEX (US$) |
Production Scenario
|
Base Case
|
||
$ per tonne
|
% of
|
$ per tonne
|
% of
|
|
Mine |
|
|
|
|
Lithium Processing & Sulfuric Acid Plants |
|
|
|
|
General & Administrative |
|
|
|
|
Total Operating Costs |
6,238 |
|
|
|
MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE
Thacker Pass Mineral Resource Estimate as of December 31, 2024
Category |
In Situ Dry
|
Average Li
|
Lithium Carbonate
|
Measured |
560.8 |
2,680 |
8.0 |
Indicated |
3,225.2 |
2,150 |
36.5 |
Total Measured & Indicated |
3,786.0 |
2,230 |
44.5 |
Inferred |
1,981.5 |
2,070 |
21.6 |
Notes for the December 31, 2024 Mineral Resource:
- The independent Qualified Person who supervised the preparation of and approved disclosure for the estimate is Benson Chow, P.G., SME-RM.
- Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
- The Mineral Resource model has been generated using Imperial units. Metric tonnages shown in table are conversions from the Imperial Block Model.
- Mineral Resources are inclusive of 1,056.7 million metric tonnes (Mt) of Mineral Reserves
-
Mineral Resources are reported using an economic break-even formula: “Operating Cost per Resource Short Ton”/“Price per Recovered Short Ton Lithium” * 10^6 = ppm Li Cutoff. “Operating Cost per Resource Short Ton” =
US , “Price per Recovered Short Ton Lithium” is estimated: “Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) Price” * 5.3228 * (1 – “Royalties”) * “Metallurgical Recovery”. Variables are “LCE Price” =$86.76 US /Short Ton ($26,308 /tonne) Li2CO3, “GRR” =$29,000 1.75% and “Metallurgical Recovery” =73.5% . -
Presented at a cutoff grade of 858 ppm Li. and a maximum ash content of
85% . -
A mineral resource constraining pit shell has been derived from performing a pit optimization estimation using
Vulcan software and the same economic inputs as what was used to calculate the cutoff grade. - The conversion factor for lithium to LCE is 5.3228.
- Applied density for the mineralization is weighted in the block model based on clay and ash percentages in each block and the average density for each lithology (Section 14.1.6.4 of the Technical Report).
- Measured Mineral Resources are in blocks estimated using at least 3 drill holes and 10 samples where the closest sample during estimation is less than or equal to 900 ft. Indicated Mineral Resources are in blocks estimated using at least 2 drill holes and 10 samples where the closest sample during estimation is less than or equal to 1,500 ft. Inferred Mineral Resources are in blocks estimated using at least 2 drill holes and 9 samples where the closest sample during estimation is less than or equal to 2,500 ft.
- Tonnages and grades have been rounded to accuracy levels deemed appropriate by the QP. Summation errors due to rounding may exist.
-
Mineral Resources are presented on a
100% basis. LN indirectly owns the Project. Lithium Americas owns a62% interest in LN and GM owns the remaining38% .
MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATE
Thacker Pass Mineral Reserve Estimate as of December 31, 2024
Category |
Run-of-Mine
|
Average Li
|
Lithium Carbonate
|
Proven |
269.5 |
3,180 |
4.5 |
Probable |
787.1 |
2,320 |
9.7 |
Total Proven and Probable |
1,056.7 |
2,540 |
14.3 |
Notes for the December 31, 2024 Mineral Reserve:
- The independent Qualified Person for the Mineral Reserves Estimate has been prepared by Kevin Bahe, P.E.
- Mineral Reserves have been converted from measured and indicated Mineral Resources within the feasibility study and have demonstrated economic viability.
-
Reserves presented in an optimized pit at an
85% maximum ash content, cutoff grade of 858 ppm Li, and an average cut-off factor of 13.3 kg of LCE recovered per tonne of leach ore tonne (ranged from 7.5-26 kg of LCE recovered per tonne of leach ore tonne). -
A sales price of
/tonne of Li2CO3 was utilized in the pit optimization resulting in the generation of the reserve pit shell in 2024. An overall slope of 27 degrees was applied. For bedrock material pit slope was set at 52 degrees. Mining and processing costs of$29,000 US$ per tonne of ROM feed, a processing recovery factor based on the block model, and a GRR cost of$95.40 1.75% were additional inputs into the pit optimization. - A LOM plan was developed based on equipment selection, equipment rates, labor rates, and plant feed and reagent parameters. All Mineral Reserves are within the LOM plan. The LOM plan is the basis for the economic assessment within the Technical Report, which is used to show the economic viability of the Mineral Reserves.
- Applied density for the ore is varied by clay type (Table 14-13 of the Technical Report).
-
Lithium Carbonate Equivalent is based on in-situ LCE tonnes with a
95% mine recovery factor. - Tonnages and grades have been rounded to accuracy levels deemed appropriate by the QP. Summation errors due to rounding may exist.
- The reference point at which the Mineral Reserves are defined is at the point where the ore is delivered to the run-of-mine feeder.
-
Mineral Reserves are presented on a
100% basis. LN indirectly owns the Project. Lithium Americas owns a62% interest in LN and GM owns the remaining38% .
Please refer to the Technical Report for full details on the geology, mining, processing and infrastructure of Thacker Pass.
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL
Mineral Resources
Sample names, certificate identifications and run identifications were cross referenced with the laboratory certificates and sample assay datasheet for spot checking and verification of data. No data anomalies were discovered during this check.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control (“QA/QC”) methodology utilized by Lithium Americas and results of these checks were discussed between Lithium Americas’ geologists and the Mineral Resources qualified person, as defined under NI 43-101 (“QP”), who has reviewed and verified the Mineral Resource estimate (the “Mineral Resources QP”).
Geologic logs, Access databases and Excel spreadsheets were provided to the Mineral Resources QP for cross validation with the Excel lithological description file. Spot checks between Excel lithological description sheets were performed against the source data with no inconsistencies found with the geologic unit descriptions.
Verification of the block model was performed by the creation of a geostatistical model and the review of its various outputs. Histograms, simulation and swath plots were created and analyzed to validate the accuracy of the block model.
Based on the various reviews, validation exercises and remedies outlined above, the Mineral Resources QP concluded that the data is adequate for use for Mineral Resource estimation.
Mineral Reserves
A QP has reviewed and verified the Mineral Reserve estimate (the “Mineral Reserves QP”), for the following as part of the mine planning, cost model and Mineral Reserves data verification.
- Geotechnical: slope stability study completed by BARR Engineering in 2019 and 2024 was reviewed.
- Mining Method: open-pit mining with limited blasting has been reviewed and assessed with geotechnical reports.
- Pit Optimization: was based on the resource pit completed in 2024. The final optimized pit is limited by several physical features.
- Mine Design: ramp, bench and face angle parameters were validated by geotechnical reports.
- Production Schedule: the production schedule was validated based on reasonability.
- Labor and Equipment: estimations for equipment sizes, capacity, availability and utilization were reviewed for reasonability.
- Economic Model: model was reviewed and demonstrated economic viability for the Project.
- Facilities and Materials: facilities and materials located within the reserve pit boundary will be re-located when access to those areas are required during mining.
QUALIFIED PERSON
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been derived from the Technical Report and has been reviewed and approved by Rene LeBlanc, RM-SME, Vice President, Growth and Product Strategy of the Company, a QP as defined under NI 43-101.
Further information about Thacker Pass, including a description of the key assumptions, parameters, sampling methods, data verification and QA/QC programs, methods relating to Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves and factors that may affect those estimates are contained in the Technical Report which is available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+, and in the S-K 1300 Technical Report which is available under the Company’s profile on EDGAR at www.sec.gov and both reports are available on the Company’s website.
Other than as described in the Company’s continuous disclosure documents, there are no known legal, political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources at this point in time.
NON-GAAP MEASURES
This news release contains certain non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) measures, including EBITDA. Such measures have non-standardized meaning under GAAP and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other issuers. Each of these measures used are intended to provide additional information to the user and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. Non-IFRS financial measures used in this news release are common to the industry. The prospective non-GAAP financial measures or ratios presented are not able to be reconciled to the nearest comparable measure under IFRS and the equivalent historical non-GAAP financial measure for the prospective non-GAAP financial measure or ratio discussed herein are not available because the Project is not and has not been in production. As the Company has provided these measures on a forward-looking basis, it is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP without unreasonable efforts. This is due to the inherent difficulty of forecasting the timing or amount of various reconciling items that would impact the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure that have not yet occurred, are outside of the Company’s control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted.
NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 43-101 DISCLOSURE
Readers are cautioned that the conclusions, projections and estimates set out in this news release are subject to important qualifications, assumptions and exclusions, all of which are detailed in the Technical Report. To fully understand the summary information set out above, the Technical Report is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca should be read in its entirety.
ABOUT LITHIUM AMERICAS
Lithium Americas is committed to responsibly developing Thacker Pass located in
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively referred to as “forward-looking information” (“FLI”)). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are FLI and can be identified by the use of statements that include, but are not limited to, words, such as “anticipate,” “plan,” “continues,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “projects,” “predict,” “proposes,” “potential,” “target,” “implement,” “scheduled,” “forecast,” “intend,” “would,” “could,” “might,” “should,” “believe” and similar terminology, or statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. FLI in this news release includes, but is not limited to expectations relating to performance and execution of business plans; expectations related to current or future joint venture relationships; expectations relating to financial management, controls and project funding; expectations relating to the timing and ability to advance to a final investment decision for major construction of the Project; expectations relating to delivering shareholder value; expectations relating to contributions to the development of a North American lithium supply chain and the resulting beneficial impacts on local communities proximate to the Project; expectations and timing on the commencement of major construction and first production; project de-risking initiatives; expectations related to the construction build and phases of Thacker Pass and nameplate capacity (as well as expansion potential) and mine life; expectations relating to the estimated completion and performance of the Project, including estimates of operating and capital costs; statements with respect to the expected economics of Thacker Pass, including production expectations, EBITDA, NPV, IRR, pricing assumptions, life of mine, OPEX and sustaining capital; other statements with respect to the Company’s future objectives and strategies to achieve these objectives, and management’s beliefs, plans, estimates and intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events, results, circumstances, performance of the Project or expectations that are not historical facts.
FLI involves known and unknown risks, assumptions and other factors that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially. FLI reflects the Company’s current views about future events, and while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. Accordingly, there can be no certainty that they will accurately reflect actual results. Assumptions upon which such FLI is based include, without limitation, the absence of material adverse events affecting the Company during the construction of the Project; the ability to perform conditions and meet expectations of agreements with GM; confidence that development, construction and operations at Thacker Pass will proceed as anticipated, including the impact of potential supply chain disruptions and the availability of equipment and facilities necessary to complete development and construction at Thacker Pass and produce battery grade lithium; the Company’s ability to operate in a safe and effective manner, and without material adverse impact from the effects of climate change or severe weather conditions; expectations regarding the Company’s financial resources and future prospects, including the ability to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms; expectations regarding future pricing of lithium and the supplies necessary to operate Thacker Pass; the ability to meet future objectives and priorities; a cordial business relationship between the Company and third party strategic and contractual partners; general business and economic uncertainties and adverse market conditions; settlement of agreements related to the operation and sale of mineral production as well as contracts in respect of operations and inputs required in the course of production; the Company’s ability to complete construction of each Phase of the Project on time and on budget; the respective benefits and impacts of Thacker Pass when production operations commence; the availability of equipment and facilities necessary to complete development and construction at the Project; unforeseen technological, engineering and operational problems; political factors, including the impact of the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election on, among other things, the extractive resource industry, the green energy transition and the electric vehicle market; accuracy of development budgets and construction estimates; uncertainties inherent to feasibility studies and mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; reliability of technical data; uncertainties relating to receiving and maintaining mining, exploration, environmental and other permits or approvals in
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists of factors are not exhaustive. There can be no assurance that FLI will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information, and that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose, including investment purposes. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any FLI as a result of the risk factors set out herein and in the Company’s filings with securities regulators.
The FLI contained in this news release is expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. All FLI in this news release speaks as of the date of this news release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any FLI, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Additional information about these assumptions and risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s filings with securities regulators, including the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and most recent management’s discussion and analysis for our most recently completed financial year and, if applicable, interim financial period, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. All FLI contained in this news release is expressly qualified by the risk factors set out in the aforementioned documents.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250107373175/en/
INVESTOR CONTACT
Virginia Morgan, VP, IR and ESG
+1-778-726-4070
ir@lithiumamericas.com
Source: Lithium Americas Corp.