Lithium Americas has selected ABB as the electrification partner for its Thacker Pass project in Nevada, home to North America’s largest known measured lithium resource.
As demand for electric vehicles and energy storage accelerates, Thacker Pass is set to help strengthen the U.S. domestic lithium supply chain. Once operational, it will produce up to 40,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate annually. ABB’s involvement will help ensure the mine and processing facilities operate with high efficiency, safety and sustainability from the start.
“This collaboration with ABB marks an important milestone in our journey to safely and responsibly produce lithium from Thacker Pass,” said Richard Gerspacher, EVP Capital Projects, Lithium Americas.
“ABB’s technology and expertise will support our efforts to deliver lithium for the U.S. market, creating economic benefits for American workers, companies and communities.”
Working alongside Lithium Americas and their engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) company Bechtel, ABB will be responsible for providing a comprehensive suite of latest-generation electrification technologies, including switchgear, motor control centers, variable speed drives, auxiliary power distribution packages and site-wide power management system, all integrated within optimized electrical buildings ready for field deployment.
“Thacker Pass is a blueprint for the future of mining – electrically and digitally optimized,” said Björn Jonsson, Global Business Line manager for Mining & Materials at ABB Process Industries. “We’re proud to support Lithium Americas in building a resilient lithium supply chain for energy independence.”
The project aligns with ABB’s global eMine approach and portfolio, which supports the transition to all-electric mines through integrated electrification, automation and digital systems. ABB’s technologies are designed to help mining companies reduce CO₂ emissions, improve energy efficiency and meet sustainability targets without compromising productivity.
Source: ABB