(Richard Santomauro) – Folks, look – we’ve been weak.
We don’t mine critical minerals. We don’t control supply chains. We import lithium like it’s candy from foreign nations.
That ends now.
We have a chance – a huge chance – with the Thacker Pass project in Nevada to seize back control, build our future at home, and make America powerful again.
Here’s what we’re talking about:
When Thacker Pass is in mature full production – producing “tens of thousands of tons” of battery-grade lithium – we’re not tinkering.
We’re talking against a serious scale.
In Phase 1, the plan is about 40,000 metric tons per year of lithium carbonate.
Some analysts and local studies project that as we expand over time, the annual economic activity in Nevada could surpass $1 billion in sales and investment.
In terms of jobs, federal DOE projections peg the Thacker Pass build for ~1,800 jobs during construction and ~360 permanent operations jobs once the mine is running.
Local and state economic studies believe the ripple effects could push those numbers higher, as suppliers, services, and induced jobs multiply.
And what about state revenue?
The UNR / Extension projections for Humboldt County and Nevada suggest that a fully operating lithium mine and processing plant would generate over $122 million annually in personal income and support ~1,320 total jobs (direct + indirect) in the region.
Moreover, the project is expected to deliver more than $1 billion annually in investment and sales volume for Nevada when mature.
What does this mean to Nevada?:
- Jobs: Thousands — not just in the pit, but in parts, logistics, supply, services, even hotels.
- State revenue & wages: Millions flow into local communities, taxes, payrolls, local businesses.
- Strategic leverage: Every ton we produce is a ton we don’t let foreign powers dictate.
So here’s the deal:
We build the Thacker Pass big!
We don’t do it halfhearted. We do it with American grit, oversight, standards.
We protect the environment, but we don’t let environmental fear-mongers stall progress.
This is about national security, jobs, and sovereignty.
The U.S. government taking a stake in the project signals its national business. We’re not bystanders – we’re investors.
Some will oppose, scream “not in my backyard.” They’ll cry about every regulation, every permit.
Let them. We’ll answer with science, engineering, mitigation, accountability.
We’ll show that domestic mining under U.S. laws is cleaner, safer, and more transparent than outsourcing it to countries that don’t care.
Look, the world is moving.
China dominates battery minerals. We let them get ahead.
Not anymore. Thacker Pass is our roadmap out.
It’s how we keep the jobs, keep the wealth, keep the control. It’s how we win.
We back the Thacker Pass! We back American energy! We back American strength!
Rich Santomauro is a retired US Naval Submarine Lieutenant Commander. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views.
