A major lithium discovery in the Appalachian region could reshape U.S. supply chains. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson explains why this matters: lithium is a critical input for batteries, electronics and electric vehicles – and the U.S. has historically relied on imports and overseas refining.
The U.S. has only one lithium mine, the Silver Peak Mine in Nevada. It produces 5,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) annually as compared to the needs about 20,000 metric tons annually and rapidly growing. Currently, the remainder is imported; however, there is progress on the Thacher Pass. The Thacker Pass project is one of the most strategically important mining and manufacturing-related projects underway in the United States today. It is being developed by Lithium Americas in northern Nevada, with major backing from General Motors and financing support from the U.S. Department of Energy. The first phase of the project will roll out in late 2027 and is expected to produce 40,000 metric tons per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate.
Imports from Chile and Argentina supply the remainder with a substantial portion going to China for refining, processing, and battery-material conversion. Thus, the new discovery of lithium is vital to future needs. This supply would produce enough for 130 million EVs, 500 billion cell phones, or 180 million laptops. There is enough lithium to replace 328 years of imports. It opens the door to greater domestic capability and control. Lisa outlines what manufacturers should be thinking about now to prepare and take advantage of this shift.
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