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Emerson secures Key Contract to Automate Lithium Americas’ Thacker Pass Mine, Boosting US Battery Supply Chain
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A new partnership aims to bolster domestic lithium production, a critical component in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors. Emerson (NYSE: EMR) has announced a contract with Lithium Americas to provide extensive automation technologies and services for the Thacker Pass lithium project in northern Nevada.
The collaboration will be instrumental in developing the mine and processing facilities at Thacker Pass, paving the way for a secure and lasting U.S.supply of lithium-a material increasingly referred to as “white gold” due to its rising demand. This project is poised to considerably impact the nation’s energy independence and economic growth.
Rising lithium demand Fuels North American Project
Global demand for lithium is projected to surge fivefold by 2040, driven by the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. According to a company release, the United States currently holds the third-largest known lithium reserves globally, making domestic projects like Thacker Pass vital for national security and job creation.
Emerson will leverage its decades of experience in the mining industry to deliver a comprehensive automation portfolio to Lithium Americas. This includes an efficient project execution strategy and dedicated local technology support, all designed to ensure the Thacker Pass operation is safe, efficient, and reliable.
“Working with Emerson is expected to help us fulfill our purpose to safely and sustainably produce lithium from Thacker Pass,” stated a senior official at Lithium Americas. “Their automation technologies will help us enable North America to reduce dependence on foreign critical minerals and drive value for our stakeholders.”
Thacker Pass: A Landmark Resource
Thacker Pass is home to the world’s largest known measured and indicated lithium resource, as well as proven and probable reserves. The first phase of the project is expected to yield up to 40,000 tons of battery-quality lithium carbonate annually – enough to power the production of up to 800,000 electric vehicles each year.
“Thacker Pass is a landmark project for North America’s electrification,” said a senior Emerson executive.”Our goal is to help Lithium Americas start up safely and operate reliably,powering the next chapter of American innovation.”
Integrated Automation for Optimized Operations
Emerson’s integrated automation architecture encompasses a wide range of technologies,including clever field measurement instrumentation,advanced process control hardware and software,final control and isolation valves,and robust reliability technologies. This suite of solutions is designed to optimize production output, enhance worker safety protocols, minimize downtime, and reduce the overall environmental impact of the mining operation. The modernization plan also prioritizes capital efficiency and lowering the project’s total cost of ownership.
To further support the project, caltrol, Emerson’s regional impact partner, will establish a local valve and instrument repair and service center. This center will provide expert maintainance and rapid response capabilities, ensuring consistent engineering standards and emergency support are readily available. Construction is currently underway, with both Emerson and Lithium Americas actively preparing the site for commissioning.
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