Lithium Americas’ Thacker Pass mine in Nevada recently received approval for its state permits, bringing it one step closer to operations. U.S. mines are subject to numerous state and federal permits, and the permitting process can take a decade, or longer. Permitting delays are an enormous problem, especially when demand is growing for resources like lithium. Moreover, mines are a source of jobs for rural communities, and Thacker Pass is no exception.
Thacker Pass has a 46 year projected mine life, ensuring job security for its workers. Lithium Americas expects to employ about 1,000 workers during construction and will be offering approximately 300 highly competitive paying jobs during the life of the mine itself. In addition, the mine is expected to support another several hundred indirect jobs over the course of its life. Mines power America, not just with the resources we need, but also with employment that ensures a high quality of life.