U.S. Government Takes 5% Stake in Lithium Americas Corp., Shares Surge 35%

Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) shares rallied 35% in after-hours trading following the U.S. Department of Energy's announcement of a 5% equity stake in the company and its Thacker Pass lithium project. Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the strategic importance of domestic lithium production, stating, "It’s in America’s best interest to get that mine built." The MOVE aligns with broader efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese lithium supplies, which currently dominate the global market.

The Thacker Pass project, backed by General Motors as a minority investor, positions the U.S. to secure critical supply chains for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy infrastructure. Lithium Americas trades on both the NYSE and TSX, reflecting its cross-border significance in the energy transition.