Lithium Americas Corp. - LAC STOCK NEWS

Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) has announced its financial and operational results for Q4 and full year 2022. The Caucharí-Olaroz project in Argentina is nearing first production by mid-2023 with expectations of ramping up to 40,000 tpa by Q1 2024. Total capital costs have been revised to $979 million due to inflation, while the company anticipates under $50 million in additional funding requirements. In the U.S., construction at Thacker Pass is underway, targeting production by H2 2026. As of March 2023, cash reserves stand at $600 million, bolstered by a $320 million investment from General Motors, leading to GM becoming the largest shareholder.

The lithium market is expected to grow significantly, with a projected CAGR of 13.5% from 2023 to 2028, reaching a valuation of USD 10.6 billion by 2028. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and government subsidies, leading to a rise in lithium mining activities. Active stocks in the sector include Lithium South Development (LISMF), Lithium Americas (LAC), Standard Lithium (SLI), and Piedmont Lithium (PLL). The completion of resource expansion programs and projects like the Thacker Pass by Lithium Americas indicates promising developments in lithium supply, essential for the booming EV market.

John Kaiser of Kaiser Research predicts a "lithium awakening" in Canada, moving past a 10-year bear market into a bull market led by lithium. The James Bay region is highlighted as a key area for lithium projects. E3 Lithium has upgraded its mineral resource to 16.0 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent, marking the largest resource in Canada. The Clearwater Lithium Project boasts an NPV8% of US$1.1 Billion. Additionally, Piedmont Lithium (PPL) and Sayona Mining recently produced their first batch of lithium concentrate at their North American Lithium mine, while Lithium Americas (LAC) has commenced construction at the Thacker Pass project in Nevada.

NACCO Industries reported strong Q4 2022 results with a consolidated operating profit of $15.5 million, a 43.7% increase from Q4 2021. Net income rose 76.2% to $13.8 million, or $1.84/share. For FY 2022, net income increased 54.1% to $74.2 million, or $10.06/share. The Minerals Management segment was a key driver, while Coal Mining faced challenges with lower earnings. The company maintains a conservative capital structure with $110.7 million in cash and $19.7 million in debt. Looking ahead, NACCO expects a significant decrease in earnings for 2023, influenced by contract termination income in 2022 and anticipated lower commodity prices.

Aquatech has been awarded a contract for lithium refining and purification for the Thacker Pass project by Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) in Nevada, the largest lithium reserve in the U.S. The project aims to produce high-purity lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) and is set to deliver 40,000 tons per annum of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in Phase 1. Aquatech's advanced technology has achieved over 99.9% Li₂CO₃ purity, supporting domestic lithium supply for electric vehicles. Construction commencement marks a key milestone, with the facility expected to produce over 80,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate annually, meeting rising demand for clean energy.

Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE: LAC) announced the commencement of construction at its Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada, following the Bureau of Land Management's notice to proceed. The project aims for a capacity of 80,000 tonnes per annum of battery-quality lithium carbonate, with Phase 1 production expected in H2 2026. The construction phase is projected to create approximately 1,500 jobs. Major contracts have been awarded to firms such as Bechtel Corporation for EPCM and Aquatech International LLC for chemical plant construction. The Federal Court recently affirmed the project's permitting process, allowing it to move forward without construction timeline impacts.

Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) has received a Letter of Substantial Completion from the U.S. Department of Energy regarding its Thacker Pass lithium project. This letter allows the company to move forward with eligibility assessments and due diligence for the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, potentially providing up to 75% of Thacker Pass's construction costs. The project aims for a production capacity of 80,000 tonnes per annum of lithium carbonate, set to create 1,500 jobs and support up to one million electric vehicles annually. A strategic partnership with GM includes a $650 million investment for exclusive access to Phase 1 production.

Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE: LAC) has successfully closed the first tranche of a $650 million investment from General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM), receiving $320 million for 15 million shares at $21.34 each. The funds will expedite development of the Thacker Pass lithium project, the largest known lithium resource in the U.S., which is fully permitted for construction. GM becomes the largest shareholder and offtake partner, with plans to support production for nearly one million electric vehicles annually. The second tranche of $330 million is expected to close after the separation of Lithium Americas' U.S. and Argentine operations later in 2023.

The global lithium mining market is set for significant growth, expected to reach USD 494.59 Million by 2028, driven by increasing demand from electric vehicle manufacturers and advancements in battery technology. Notable companies like Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) and Standard Lithium Ltd. (SLI) are actively innovating in this space. A recent collaboration between Century Lithium Corp. and Koch Technology Solutions aims to enhance lithium extraction processes, positioning the company favorably in this booming market. Meanwhile, a major investment from General Motors in Lithium Americas underscores the industry's potential.