As this editor began brainstorming topics of discussion for this issue’s editor letter, my brain rushed to two things: our upcoming events, and also a significant piece of news as it relates to the future of the lithium sector.
First things first: there is a good chance that, as you read this, you are preparing for or sitting in your seat at America’s Coal Revolution, our first-of-its-kind event being held in Pittsburgh, Pa., October 21-22. As it relates to coal’s future, this is absolutely the conference to hear ideas and research and discuss the outlook for one of the nation’s most crucial energy commodities.
If you are joining us, welcome, and please do share your feedback with us once the event wraps up. We may just include your comments in our wrap-up overview post-conference. Also, begin making your plans now for the next major event after ACR: the 2026 West Virginia Coal Show in Charleston, W.Va., set for March 31-April 1.
Now for the other pressing news item in my mind: a new report from September 23 that the Trump administration is seeking a stake in Lithium Americas’ Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada. The administration could end up with as much as 10% of the project in light of its renegotiation of terms related to a $2 billion loan Lithium Americas secured in 2024 with the Department of Energy.
Thacker Pass is not the government’s first foray into integrating itself to the American economy; since Trump took office, it has also retained positions in Intel, MP Materials and other U.S. tech and minerals firms that it sees as critical to national security. To the positive, both side of the aisle have backed the addition of the mine, as it is potentially – and significantly seems an understatement here – crucial to both boosting domestic critical minerals production and also back us away from Chinese reliance for the material. China’s global supply position at current: some 75%.
“President Trump supports this project. He wants it to succeed and also be fair to taxpayers,” a White House official told Reuters just before press time. “But there’s no such thing as free money.”
Thacker Pass, with which LA has a JV partnership with General Motors (62% and 38%, respectively), could easily be the largest lithium source in the Western Hemisphere when it opens in 2028. The Humboldt County project is host to the largest known measured lithium resource (measured and indicated) and reserve (proven and probable) in the world. At this moment, we as a nation are producing just 5,000 metric tons via one facility, also in Nevada, owned by Albemarle; meanwhile, China’s annual production totals 40,000 metric tons. The Thacker Pass mine on its own could add 40,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate every year for the U.S. For those who missed the math, that more than places us first in the lithium race.
We shall see in the coming weeks how this all shakes out and if Trump’s pockets could be lined with lithium. In the meantime, our nation’s race to the top in critical minerals production is looking more positive each day.
Donna Schmidt
Editor, North American Mining magazine
[email protected]
X: @Dschmidt_NAM