Governor Lombardo Takes the Lithium Highway to Thacker Pass
Nevada’s lithium future takes shape as Governor Lombardo and Congressman Amodei tour Thacker Pass and its expanding workforce hub.

Thacker Pass, located about an hour from Winnemucca, Nevada, is quickly becoming one of the most significant lithium projects in the world. The site, managed by Lithium Americas in partnership with General Motors, is fully funded and well into its development phase. It has been nearly two years since major media outlets last visited the project, and the landscape has transformed dramatically.
On a recent visit, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo and Congressman Mark Amodei took a first-hand look at the progress. Their visit provided insight into the scale of the operation and its long-term economic impact on the region. As wind gusts and snow flurries swept across the site, officials toured the expanding workforce hub and observed the ongoing groundwork.
A Mine, A Chemical Plant, and an Industrial Hub
Unlike traditional mining operations, the Thacker Pass project is more than just digging up resources. It is essentially an industrial-scale chemical plant designed to process lithium-rich clay into a usable form. Vice President of Government Affairs for Lithium Americas, Tim Crowley, emphasized the complexity of the operation, explaining that they are currently laying the foundations for multiple buildings that will house extraction and refining equipment.
Although the project is moving forward efficiently, it is still in the early stages of development. Right now, crews are focused on earthmoving and site preparation. In just a few months, they expect to begin pouring concrete for major structures, setting the stage for full-scale construction. Once the facility is built, production will ramp up, with full-scale lithium extraction expected in the coming years.
Scaling Up the Workforce
One of the biggest challenges for the project is workforce expansion. Lithium Americas has already brought over 100 workers to the site, but that number is expected to increase significantly. According to CEO Jonathan Evans, the workforce will grow to 350 in the second quarter of 2025 and peak at over 2,000 workers between late 2026 and early 2027.
To support this influx of labor, a massive workforce hub is being developed near the mine. The facility will provide housing, food, and transportation for thousands of workers, ensuring that the local community is not overwhelmed by the sudden population increase. The hub will include three-story housing units, dining facilities, and recreational areas, all designed to maintain a high quality of life for workers.
Governor Lombardo praised the development, calling it a "respectable, quality living space" that will help support the massive labor effort required for the mine’s success. Congressman Amodei echoed this sentiment, noting that the hub's self-sufficiency prevents undue strain on local infrastructure.
Community and Economic Impact
Beyond the direct benefits of lithium production, the Thacker Pass project is expected to stimulate growth in surrounding communities. Governor Lombardo highlighted the potential boost to retail, recreation, and permanent housing development in Humboldt County.
Lithium Americas is also actively working with local stakeholders to integrate workforce opportunities. Rob Benner, Executive Secretary-Treasurer for the Northern Nevada Building Trades, emphasized the company’s commitment to hiring locally. The project aims to employ 2,000 construction workers at its peak, with a dedicated effort to train and hire apprentices from Humboldt County schools and local tribes.
A Project with National and Global Significance
Lithium is a critical resource for the future of clean energy, and Thacker Pass represents a major step toward securing a domestic supply for the United States. With growing concerns over foreign dependence for lithium, particularly from China, projects like Thacker Pass are vital for energy security.
Governor Lombardo and Congressman Amodei’s visit underscored the strategic importance of the site. As the U.S. pushes toward greater electric vehicle production and renewable energy storage, Thacker Pass is poised to play a crucial role in meeting the surging demand for lithium. While there are still years of construction and development ahead, one thing is clear: Thacker Pass is not just a mine; it is a cornerstone of America’s clean energy future.
