Early works construction of the Thacker Pass lithium project, in Nevada, remains on track to start this year, with all permits in place to get construction under way, developer Lithium Americas Corp (LAC) reports.

The project, however, is facing opposition from environmental groups, Indigenous tribes and local ranchers. A federal record of decision that was issued in January last year is being appealed, with briefings scheduled to conclude on August 11.

Oral arguments and a final decision are expected to follow shortly thereafter, LAC said in an update this week.

The project feasibility study would also be delivered in the second half of the year, targeting total production capacity of 40 000 t/y of lithium carbonate in Phase 1 and an expansion to 80 000 t/y in Phase 2.

A process is under way to appoint an engineering construction contractor. The company has issued a request for proposal from short-listed engineering, procurement and construction management firms to perform detailed engineering, execution planning and manage Thacker Pass’ construction.

Meanwhile, LAC has officially opened the 2 787 m² Lithium Technical Development Center (LiTDC) in Reno, in an event attended by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak.

“As we prepare to break ground on Thacker Pass, we have never lost sight of our broader responsibility in developing the largest and most advanced new source of lithium in the US,” said president and CEO Jonathan Evans.

“We hope to play a meaningful role in securing domestic supply of lithium to meet our country’s electrification needs, and we are committed to doing so in a manner that benefits the people of Nevada, Native Americans and the broader industry that has flourished in this state. Our new LiTDC will help cement Nevada’s place as a critical hub for battery development, and we are so thankful for the partnership of the University of Nevada, Reno as well as the support of the Governor’s office.”

Sisolak commented that addressing climate change was a defining issue for the US and that Nevada had the chance to make a difference in reducing carbon emissions while serving as an economic engine for the electrification of the US.

“Through the technological expertise of Lithium Americas and the research capacity of University of Nevada, Reno, the Lithium Technical Development Center being commissioned today is a shining example of the productive public-private partnerships that we are fostering across the state to power economic growth and responsible use of resources. This is a fantastic achievement for all involved that puts Nevada firmly at the center of the US’s clean energy leadership.”