If you want to see American energy independence being built from the ground up, head to the high desert of Humboldt County. That is where Governor Joe Lombardo paid a visit on Friday, March 13th, to the Thacker Pass lithium project.
A Project Worth Seeing
More than 15 cranes are now operating on site, including the largest crane currently working anywhere in Nevada. Crews are developing a processing area stretching one mile by half a mile. About 900 skilled construction workers show up every day to keep things moving.
“It was great to see the tremendous progress underway at Thacker Pass,” Lombardo said after the tour.
“The scale of development here is remarkable and a testament to the hardworking men and women building this facility.”
This was not Lombardo’s first look at the project. He visited the site a year ago alongside Congressman Mark Amodei, back when construction had not yet started. The difference between then and now tells you everything about the pace of development.
Why This Matters to Nevada
Thacker Pass, developed by Lithium Americas in partnership with General Motors, sits on the largest known lithium deposit in North America. Detailed engineering design for Phase 1 had reached 93% completion as of the end of 2025, with mechanical completion of the processing plant targeted for late 2027.
The project represents a $3 billion investment in Nevada. When Phase 1 is fully running, it is expected to produce 40,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate every year. That is enough to supply a large chunk of the domestic demand for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems — materials that America currently depends heavily on foreign sources to supply.
Think of it like this. Right now, China controls a huge share of the world’s lithium processing. Every battery in an American-made electric vehicle, laptop, or military device is one more reason we need our own supply. Thacker Pass is a big piece of that solution.
Jobs and Community
The governor heard directly from project leaders about what the construction boom means for the local economy. Peak employment is projected to reach up to 1,800 workers as development accelerates through 2026. Lithium Americas says lithium market conditions are strengthening just as the project prepares to come online in late 2027, with full ramp-up expected through 2028.
Lithium Americas has also built a 2,000-room housing facility in nearby Winnemucca to handle the workforce without overwhelming the small rural community. The facility is already housing more than 700 workers, with plans to expand to 1,500 or more residents later this year. That kind of thoughtful planning matters in a region where the nearest big city is hours away.
Thacker Pass representatives thanked Lombardo personally for his role in helping advance the project.
What Critics Are Saying
At least six tribes have connections to the land at Thacker Pass, and some tribal members have raised concerns about access to sacred sites and the land’s historical significance. Environmental groups have also challenged the permitting process in court, though construction has continued moving forward.
One nearby tribe, the Fort McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone, has since signed an agreement with Lithium Americas and issued a letter supporting the mine.
These are legitimate concerns that deserve honest engagement. The best path forward includes working with affected communities.
What Comes Next
Major long-lead equipment and construction materials are expected to arrive at Thacker Pass throughout the first half of 2026. Construction will keep ramping up. More workers will arrive. And Nevada will keep building its case as the place where American critical mineral independence gets made.
For conservatives who believe in American strength, energy independence, and private-sector economic growth, Thacker Pass is worth paying attention to.
Nevada has the minerals. Nevada has the workers. And Nevada has a governor who shows up to make sure the job gets done. Thacker Pass is proof that American energy independence is not a bumper sticker; it is something you can see rising out of the desert with your own eyes.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
