Miner Eyes Rebirth of Lithium Industry in Nevada Desert

A $1.3 billion mining project is taking shape in the desert of northern Nevada that could get the U.S. into the global battery game—if and when the mine gets its environmental permits.

The project, known as the Thacker Pass Mine, contains enough lithium to increase domestic production sixfold within a few years, Jonathan Evans, president of mine owner Lithium Americas Corp. of Vancouver, told Bloomberg Environment.

Lithium Americas sees a big business opportunity because global demand for the soft, whitish stone is expected to spike, driven by growing lithium battery use ...