Lithium Americas Targets $1.6B for Thacker Pass Lithium Project
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 19 2026
0mins
Should l Buy LAC?
Source: seekingalpha
- Capital Expenditure Plan: Lithium Americas announced a capital spending target of $1.3B to $1.6B for phase 1 of its Thacker Pass lithium project, with construction set to begin in 2026 and a completion target by late 2027, reflecting strong confidence in the lithium market.
- Tariff Impact Assessment: While the project involves equipment and materials sourced from Canada, China, India, the UAE, Turkey, and the EU, approximately 75% of the capital cost structure related to labor, contractors, and other services is not expected to be directly affected by potential tariffs, thereby reducing cost risks.
- Electric Vehicle Production Capacity: The Thacker Pass project, a joint venture between Lithium Americas and General Motors, contains enough lithium to support the production of 1 million electric vehicles annually, further solidifying the company's critical position in the electric vehicle supply chain.
- Financing Background: Lithium Americas has secured $2.23B in financing from the U.S. Department of Energy's loan program, supplemented by strategic investments from GM and Orion Resource Partners, demonstrating strong support from both government and industry for the project.
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Analyst Views on LAC
Wall Street analysts forecast LAC stock price to rise
8 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
6 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 5.120
Low
4.73
Averages
5.77
High
8.00
Current: 5.120
Low
4.73
Averages
5.77
High
8.00
About LAC
Lithium Americas Corp. is a Canada-based lithium company. The Company focused on developing, building, and operating lithium deposits and chemical processing facilities. The Company’s flagship asset is Thacker Pass, a sedimentary-based lithium deposit located in the McDermitt Caldera in Humboldt County, in northern Nevada. The Company is focused on developing the 100%-owned Thacker Pass lithium project in northern Nevada, the United States of America. Thacker Pass is approximately 100 kilometers (km) north-northwest of Winnemucca, Nevada, approximately 33 km west-northwest of Orovada, Nevada, and 33 km due south of the Oregon border. The Thacker Pass area encompasses approximately 7,900 hectares (ha) and lies within and is surrounded by public lands. The Company's subsidiaries are LAC Management LLC, Lithium Nevada Ventures LLC, KV Project LLC and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Capital Expenditure Plan: Lithium Americas announced a capital spending target of $1.3B to $1.6B for phase 1 of its Thacker Pass lithium project, with construction set to begin in 2026 and a completion target by late 2027, reflecting strong confidence in the lithium market.
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- Positive Market Reaction: Following the export ban announcement, shares of Sigma Lithium, Albemarle, and Lithium Americas surged by 13%, 7%, and 5% respectively in Wednesday's pre-market trading, reflecting strong market demand for lithium resources and investor optimism.
- Mining Compliance Requirements: Only companies holding valid mining titles from the government will be permitted to export minerals, with agents and third-party traders prohibited from exporting on behalf of title holders, which will strengthen the management and control of mineral resources.
- Lithium Resource Potential: According to the British Geological Survey, Zimbabwe has lithium reserves of 480,000 tonnes and is projected to produce 22,000 tonnes of lithium between 2022 and 2024, making it the fifth-largest lithium producer globally, further highlighting the country's significant position in the global lithium market.
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- Tariff Impact Assessment: While the project involves equipment and materials sourced from Canada, China, India, the UAE, Turkey, and the EU, approximately 75% of the capital cost structure related to labor, contractors, and other services is not expected to be directly affected by potential tariffs, thereby reducing cost risks.
- Electric Vehicle Production Capacity: The Thacker Pass project, a joint venture between Lithium Americas and General Motors, contains enough lithium to support the production of 1 million electric vehicles annually, further solidifying the company's critical position in the electric vehicle supply chain.
- Financing Background: Lithium Americas has secured $2.23B in financing from the U.S. Department of Energy's loan program, supplemented by strategic investments from GM and Orion Resource Partners, demonstrating strong support from both government and industry for the project.
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- L3Harris and Defense Partnership: L3Harris announced a proposed partnership with the U.S. government, where the Pentagon will invest $1 billion in its rocket motor business, with plans for an IPO in the second half of 2026, allowing the Pentagon's investment to convert into common equity, enhancing the capital base of the defense industry.
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