| Exhibit 99.1
(Formerly 1397468 B.C. Ltd.)
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Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the six months ended June 30, 2024
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
BACKGROUND
On January 23, 2023, 1397468 B.C. Ltd (“New LAC,” “Lithium Americas” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) for the sole purpose of acquiring ownership of the North American business assets and investments (“LAC North America”) of Lithium Americas Corp. (“Old LAC”), which is now named Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. (“Lithium Argentina”), pursuant to a separation transaction (the “Separation”) that was undertaken on October 3, 2023. Upon consummation of the Separation, New LAC was re- named Lithium Americas Corp., and its common shares were listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “LAC.”
The Separation was implemented by way of a plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”) under the laws of British Columbia pursuant to an arrangement agreement between the Company and Old LAC. Upon completion of the Separation, Old LAC contributed to the Company, among other assets and liabilities, its interest in the Thacker Pass project (“Thacker Pass”), its investments in Green Technology Metals Limited (“GT1”) and Ascend Elements, Inc. (“Ascend Elements”), certain intellectual property rights, its loan to 1339480 B.C. Ltd., and cash of $275.5 million, including $75 million to establish sufficient working capital. The Company then distributed its common shares to shareholders of Old LAC in a series of share exchanges. The Separation was pro rata to the shareholders of Old LAC, so that the holders maintained the same proportionate interest in Old LAC (upon the Separation, Lithium Argentina) and the Company both immediately before and immediately after the Separation.
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of the Company, prepared as of August 14, 2024, should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and the notes thereto for the six months ended June 30, 2024 (“Q2 2024 financial statements”), and the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the related notes thereto (“2023 annual financial statements”), which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”). For further information on the Company, including key risk factors, reference should be made to its public filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. These consolidated financial statements should also be read in conjunction with LAC North Americas’ audited carve-out financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2022 which may be found in Lithium Argentina's Management Information Circular dated June 16, 2023 filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. All amounts are expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise stated. References to CDN$ are to Canadian dollars. This MD&A contains “forward-looking statements,” and readers should read the cautionary note contained in the section entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” of this MD&A regarding such forward-looking statements.
OUR BUSINESS
Lithium Americas is a resource and materials company focused on developing, building and operating significant lithium deposits and chemical processing facilities. The Company strives to adhere to the highest environmental, social, governance and safety (“ESG-S”) standards and work to provide the critical minerals for the global transition to cleaner energy sources. The Company’s flagship project is Thacker Pass, a sedimentary-based lithium deposit located in the McDermitt Caldera in Humboldt County, Nevada. The Company owns 100% of Thacker Pass through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lithium Nevada Corp. (“Lithium Nevada”). The Company also holds investments in GT1 and Ascend Elements, and exploration properties in the United States and Canada. The Company’s head office and principal address is Suite 3260, 666 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 2X8.
Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and most recent MD&A for the most recently completed financial year, and interim financial period, are available on the Company’s website at www.lithiumamericas.com, on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.
2
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
HIGHLIGHTS
Thacker Pass
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On March 12, 2024, the Company received from the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) a conditional commitment (“Conditional Commitment”) for a $2.26 billion loan (the “DOE Loan”) under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (“ATVM”) Loan Program, to fund eligible construction costs of the processing facilities at Thacker Pass to produce an initial 40,000 tonnes per annum of battery grade lithium carbonate (“Phase 1”). The Company continues to work closely with the DOE and expects to close the DOE Loan in the second half of 2024 (“2H24”).
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Site preparation for major earthworks has been completed, and Thacker Pass is prepared for the commencement of major construction following issuing full notice to proceed (“FNTP”), expected in 2H24 following closing of the DOE Loan.
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The Company continues to focus on increasing the level of detailed engineering, currently over 30% design complete, alongside advancing procurement and execution planning. Throughout Q2 2024, procurement packages and executable purchase orders were put in place in preparation for FNTP.
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During Q2 2024, the Company advanced site preparation for the Workforce Hub (“WFH”), a planned all-inclusive housing facility for construction workers. The WFH will be built to align with Thacker Pass Phase 1 construction schedule.
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In August 2024, the Company received a $11.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (“DoD”) to support an upgrade of the local power infrastructure and to help build a transloading facility.
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During the three months ended June 30, 2024, $27.7 million of construction capital costs and other project-related costs were capitalized.
Corporate
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As of June 30, 2024, the Company had approximately $375.8 million in cash and cash equivalents.
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In April 2024, the Company completed an underwritten public offering (the “Offering”) which, together with the DOE Loan, satisfies the funding condition to closing General Motors Holdings LLC (“GM”) second tranche investment (“Tranche 2 Investment”). The DOE Loan and the GM Tranche 2 Investment are expected to close in the second half of the year, and together, with the cash on hand, are expected to fund Thacker Pass Phase 1 construction capital expenditures.
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The Company published an environment, social, governance and safety (“ESG-S”) report, themed “Advancing Sustainable Value Creation,” covering sustainability performance and progress for the period January 1 to December 31, 2023, including activities related to Thacker Pass and the Company’s Lithium Technical Development Center. The ESG-S report highlights the Company’s commitment to sustainably develop Thacker Pass to become a responsible lithium producer and create value for stakeholders. The ESG-S report is available on the Company’s website.
3
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
THACKER PASS
Q2 2024 Progress Photos
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Figure A: Lithium Americas continues to prepare the plant pad area for major construction, expected in the second half of 2024 following issuance of FNTP. |
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Figure B: The Workforce Hub is planned as a temporary full-service housing facility for construction workers in the nearby City of Winnemucca. Earthworks for the facility are complete and we continue working on essential infrastructure at the site, including utility right of ways. Staged erection of the WFH housing modules will align with Phase 1 construction timeline. |
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Figure C: The growth media from the processing plant pad was stockpiled, contoured and seeded with native plants to blend in with the surrounding area. Authorized native plants are now growing and blooming on the stockpiles, which will protect the stockpiles from weeds and water erosion. The growth media will be used in the future for reclamation purposes.
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Figure D: State of Nevada Lieutenant Governor Anthony Stavros (right yellow vest) visits Thacker Pass. |
4
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
Health and Safety
In Q2 2024, the Company continued building a proactive safety culture and prepared for heavy construction at Thacker Pass by progressing implementation of the Safety Roadmap and Safety Management System. During the quarter, training on the Life Saving Rules and SafeStart was delivered and key plans and procedures were developed.
During the quarter, an analysis was completed to ensure alignment of health and safety programs between the Company and Bechtel, the Company's engineering, procurement and construction management (“EPCM”) contractor. In addition, mine-service contractor Sawtooth Mining (“Sawtooth”) has adopted SafeStart training for all of its employees working at Thacker Pass. To date, 20 Sawtooth employees have completed 80 hours of SafeStart training.
As of June 30, 2024, 203,383 work hours were completed at Thacker Pass without a lost time incident.
Work Safe Home Safe
Together, Lithium Americas and Bechtel have established a health and safety program called “Work Safe Home Safe,” based on workplace safety being everyone’s responsibility, including adopting consistent methods to analyze hazards to prevent workplace injuries.
Work Safe Home Safe is based on industry standards published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the international certification process for ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems and is tailored to construction activities.
Construction Workforce
Construction Labor
Thacker Pass Phase 1 is expected to create approximately 1,800 direct jobs during its three-year construction period and approximately 360 jobs in operations for its 40-year mine life.
In mid-2023, the Company and its EPCM contractor, Bechtel, entered into a National Construction Agreement (Project Labor Agreement) (“PLA”) with North America’s Building Trades Unions (“NABTU”) for construction of Thacker Pass Phase 1. The parties agreed to utilize the form of a National Construction Agreement with a project specific addendum as the PLA for the Thacker Pass construction.
Workforce Hub
The WFH is being developed as a temporary full-service housing facility for construction workers located in the nearby City of Winnemucca. The Company purchased the land and completed earthworks for the facility. The housing modules are currently stored in-place to allow for staged erection to align with the Thacker Pass Phase 1 construction timeline.
In Q2 2024, the Company continued to work on engineering for essential infrastructure at the WFH site, and is currently working with the City of Winnemucca, Nevada Department of Transportation, NV Energy, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) on utility right of ways.
Construction and Engineering Progress
The Company awarded the EPCM contract to Bechtel for the design, procurement and execution of Phase 1. Bechtel has provided significant expertise, based on its experience with global capital projects, to improve execution planning and to de-risk the construction phase.
Following the start of early works construction activities at Thacker Pass in early 2023, the following actions have been completed to prepare for major construction, expected to commence following issuing FNTP:
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Completed the first phase of major earthworks including site clearing and plant pad excavation;
5
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
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Stockpiled all growth media for future reclamation;
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Commissioned a drinking-water quality water supply system consisting of a 6.6-mile pipeline, pumps and ponds;
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Improved State Route 293 with acceleration and deceleration lanes, conforming to Nevada Department of Transportation specifications to improve safety and traffic flow for vehicles entering and exiting Thacker Pass; and
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Completed site infrastructure including erection of temporary offices, fencing, security gates and systems.
The Company continues to take steps to further de-risk construction execution, including:
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Progressing minor earthworks for the plant pad;
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Progressing detailed engineering above the current level, of over 30% design complete, prior to FNTP. A higher level of advanced engineering prior to commencing major construction helps mitigate the potential for field rework and supports well-planned construction execution; and
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Progressing the procurement process with a focus on long lead equipment.
Major Construction Contracts
In addition to awarding the EPCM contract to Bechtel for the design, procurement and execution of Phase 1, other major construction contracts awarded included:
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Aquatech International LLC was awarded the contract for the magnesium sulfate and lithium carbonate chemical plants;
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EXP Global Inc. was awarded the contract for the engineering, procurement, construction support, commissioning and start-up services for the sulfuric acid plant; and
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MECS, Inc. was awarded the contract for the engineering and equipment for the sulfuric acid plant, including a technology license and system to harness waste heat to generate steam from the sulfuric acid plant, which will subsequently be used to produce carbon-free electricity for the processing plant.
Transloading Terminal
The Company has leased a parcel of land adjacent to the mainline railroad from the City of Winnemucca and purchased an adjacent property with access to State Route 796, approximately 60 miles from Thacker Pass, for the development of a transloading terminal (“TLT”).
The TLT has been planned to provide direct access to the railroad for shipping of reagents during operations and is expected to create approximately 50 jobs during Phase 1 operations. Expected benefits of direct access to the mainline railroad during operations include reduced transportation costs for reagents, such as liquid sulfur and soda ash, and minimizing Scope 3 emissions by utilizing lower carbon intensity transportation methods.
The TLT design has been advanced to approximately 20% design complete.
In August 2024, the Company received a $11.8 million grant from the DoD to support an upgrade of the local power infrastructure and to help build the TLT.
Capital Cost Estimate
In early 2024, together with Bechtel and other major mining and processing plant contractors, the Company further refined the Thacker Pass Phase 1 estimated total CAPEX, following the November 2022 Feasibility Study estimate. The revised CAPEX estimate of $2.93 billion reflects steps the Company has taken to de-risk construction, including:
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Achieving a higher degree of engineering, advancing estimates of key quantities and execution plans;
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Increasing project contingency to 15%;
6
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
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Updating labor costs due to an increase in estimated number of construction workers to approximately 1,800 and substantially de-risking skilled labor availability with the PLA;
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Securing land and temporary housing facility for the Workforce Hub in Winnemucca for construction workers; and
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Updating pricing for over 70% of procurement packages to reflect current market conditions.
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During the six months ended June 30, 2024, $90.2 million of construction capital costs and other project-related costs were capitalized. The majority of capital expenditures are expected in 2025 as the project ramps up to peak construction.
Project Timeline
Mechanical completion of Thacker Pass Phase 1 is targeted for 2027 following a three-year construction period. Major construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2024 following the anticipated closing of the DOE Loan and issuance of FNTP. The Company anticipates a commissioning and ramp-up period of six to twelve months, targeting achieving full capacity production in 2028.
Regulatory and Permitting
All state and federal permits to begin construction are in place and the Company commenced construction on February 28, 2023, following receipt of a notice to proceed from the BLM.
The Company’s application with the State of Nevada Division of Water Resources for the transfer of certain water rights for Phase 1 of Thacker Pass was approved by the State Engineer in February 2023. The State Engineer’s Office issued the final water rights permits on June 30 and July 3, 2023, authorizing the Company to use its water production wells. The State Engineer’s decision was appealed in state court by a local ranching company in March 2023. The case is currently pending. The Company has commenced using the water rights for construction activities at Thacker Pass in accordance with the State Engineer’s authorization.
The BLM approved a minor modification to the Plan of Operations in June 2024. The State approved a Water Pollution Control Permit minor modification in January 2024 and an Air Quality Operating Permit minor modification in June 2024. Additional permit modifications to reflect design updates are currently pending, and modifications to conform to any other design updates may be pursued as warranted.
Feasibility Study Reports
On October 3, 2023, following Separation, the Company re-issued the feasibility study titled “Feasibility Study: National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report for the Thacker Pass Project, Humboldt County, Nevada, USA” dated effective November 2, 2022 (the “Nov 2022 Feasibility Study”). The Company also issued the “Preliminary Feasibility Study S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary for the Thacker Pass Project Humboldt County, Nevada, USA” with an effective date of December 31, 2022 (the “Thacker Pass S-K 1300 Report” and collectively with the Nov 2022 Feasibility Study, the “Reports”). The Reports are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and the Company’s website.
Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimates
The Reports include a Mineral Reserve estimate for Thacker Pass of 3.7 million tonnes (“Mt”) of LCE grading at 3,160 parts per million (“ppm”) lithium (“Li”) of Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves, comprised of 3.3 Mt LCE Proven Reserves at 192.9 Mt and 3,180 ppm Li and 0.4 Mt LCE of Probable Reserves at 24.4 Mt and 3,010 ppm Li.
The Thacker Pass S-K 1300 Report includes a Mineral Resource estimate, exclusive of reserves, of 12.1 Mt of LCE grading 1,860 ppm Li of M&I, comprised of 3.4 Mt LCE Measured Resources at 1,990 ppm Li and 8.7 Mt LCE Indicated Resources at 1,820 ppm Li. The Nov 2022 Feasibility Study includes a Mineral Resource estimate, inclusive of reserves, of 16.1 Mt of LCE grading 2,070 ppm Li of M&I, comprised of 7.0 Mt LCE Measured Resources at 534.7 Mt and 2,450 ppm Li, and 9.1 Mt LCE Indicated Resources at 922.5 Mt and 1,850 ppm Li. The Mineral Resource estimate in both Reports also included 3.0 Mt LCE of Inferred Resources grading 1,870 ppm. Mineral Reserves have been converted from Measured and Indicated
7
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
Mineral Resources in the Reports and have demonstrated economic viability. The effective date of the estimates in the Nov 2022 Feasibility Study was November 2, 2022 and in the Thacker Pass S-K 1300 Report was December 31, 2022. See the Reports filed on SEDAR+ and EDGAR, as applicable, for further details. The Thacker Pass S-K 1300 Report is also discussed in more detail in the Company’s Form 20-F registration statement which was originally filed with the SEC on August 22, 2023.
Exploration Program
The 2023 drilling program at Thacker Pass to further define and expand the resource estimate concluded successfully in December 2023. A total of 97 core holes totaling 50,099 feet were drilled and the process of sampling and analysis is currently underway. The exploration program continues to confirm that sedimentary deposits are common throughout Thacker Pass.
Lithium Technical Development Center
The Lithium Technical Development Center (“Tech Center”) in Reno, Nevada has been awarded the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification, which is a globally recognized standard for quality management. Implementation of ISO 9001:2015 demonstrates the Company’s commitment to quality in the development of lithium products.
Social Responsibility
The Company continues to work collaboratively with the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe (the “Tribe”) and communities closest to Thacker Pass to advance our shared priorities.
Community Benefits Agreement with Fort McDermitt Tribe
A key commitment of the Community Benefits Agreement (“CBA”) signed in October 2022 with the Tribe, located approximately 48 miles by road from Thacker Pass, is to build a new community center with on-site preschool, daycare, playground, cultural facility and communal greenhouse. Tribe leadership identified a building site location for the community center and finalized building designs. The CBA will also provide the Tribe with training and employment opportunities for members of the Tribe; funding to support cultural education and preservation work by the Tribe; and business and contracting opportunities between the parties.
Skills Training and Job Opportunities
The Company is committed to hiring locally where possible and has been working with Great Basin College to develop and offer a Workforce Development Training program to local communities and the Tribe.
In Q2 2024, the Company worked closely with Great Basin College to explore customized workforce development training specific to Thacker Pass. Curriculum for process operator, emergency response as well as leadership training are being evaluated. In early 2024, a Fort McDermitt Tribe member and a McDermitt resident were among the first local people hired to help the geophysics team prepare for major construction.
In Q2 2024, the Company partnered with local tribes to provide temporary and full-time employment opportunities to members of the Fort McDermitt Tribe, Duck Valley Tribe and Arizona Navajo Tribe.
Community Engagement
The communities of Orovada and Kings Valley are the closest communities to Thacker Pass, located approximately 18 and 5 miles from the site, respectively. The Company has met regularly with local community members for the purpose of identifying community concerns and developing ways to address them. As construction activities began, the Company increased its community outreach through open houses, one-on-one meetings and tours of the Tech Center. The Company collaborated with the Humboldt County School District and the BLM to finalize the design and location of a new K-8 school in Orovada. Construction of the new school is expected to be 100% funded by the Company. Detailed engineering and construction planning work is currently underway.
8
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
CORPORATE
Project Financing
The Offering, together with the DOE Loan, satisfies the funding condition to closing the GM Tranche 2 Investment. At the same time, the Offering and GM funding will allow the Company to meet the financing-related condition related to closing the DOE Loan. The DOE Loan and the GM Tranche 2 Investment together, with the cash on hand, are expected to fund Thacker Pass Phase 1 construction capital expenditures.
Common Shares Offering
On April 22, 2024, the Company completed an Offering of 55 million common shares (“Common Shares”) at a price of $5.00 per Common Share (the “Issue Price”) for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $275 million. The net proceeds from the Offering of approximately $262 million are intended to fund the advancement of construction and development of Thacker Pass.
DOE ATVM Loan Program
On March 12, 2024, the Company received a Conditional Commitment from the U.S. DOE for a DOE Loan for financing the construction of the processing facilities at Thacker Pass for Phase 1. Based on the terms of the Conditional Commitment, the DOE Loan for $1.97 billion in aggregate principal to fund eligible construction costs of Thacker Pass, plus interest to be accrued during construction, which is estimated to be $290 million over a three-year period, together totaling a $2.26 billion loan, will have a 24-year maturity with interest rates fixed from the date of each monthly advance for the term of the loan at applicable U.S. Treasury rates, without any additional credit spread.
The DOE Loan Conditional Commitment follows receipt of the Letter of Substantial Completion in February 2023. Over the past year, the DOE undertook a robust due diligence process to review all key aspects of Thacker Pass and complete term sheet details. While this Conditional Commitment represents a significant milestone and demonstrates the DOE’s intent to finance Thacker Pass, certain technical, legal and financial conditions, including negotiation of definitive financing documents, must be satisfied before funding of the DOE Loan.
Once the DOE Loan agreement is finalized, the Company expects to begin to draw on the DOE Loan in early 2025. Conditions precedent to the first draw under the DOE Loan include, but are not limited to, project finance model bring down, establishment of reserve accounts, and securing additional corporate working capital to fund pre-commissioning general and operating expenses, commissioning costs through production and financing-related fees and expenses. The Company expects the $195 million reserve account requirements to be satisfied with letters of credit or similar credit support facilities. The Company is in active discussions with our key project partners and other third parties to have these in place later this year. The Company is evaluating various financing alternatives to fund corporate working capital to facilitate first drawdown on the DOE Loan.
General Motors Investment and Offtake
On January 30, 2023, Old LAC entered into a purchase agreement with GM, pursuant to which GM agreed to make a $650 million equity investment (the “Transaction”), the proceeds of which are to be used for the construction and development of Thacker Pass. The Transaction is comprised of two tranches, with the $320 million first tranche investment (the “Tranche 1 Investment”) and a second tranche investment of up to $330 million (the “Tranche 2 Investment”). The Tranche 1 Investment closed on February 16, 2023, when GM subscribed for 15,002,000 subscription receipts of Old LAC, which were automatically converted into 15,002,000 units comprising 15,002,000 shares and 11,891,000 warrants of Old LAC which became 15,002,000 common shares of the Company post-Separation. The subscription proceeds were paid to Old LAC and the remaining unspent proceeds were distributed to the Company on October 3, 2023, pursuant to the Arrangement.
On October 3, 2023, pursuant to the Separation, the full amount of the remaining unspent proceeds of the Tranche 1 investment were included in the net assets distributed by Old LAC to the Company.
9
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
As the Separation was completed before the closing of the Tranche 2 Investment, on October 3, 2023, the agreement for the Tranche 2 Investment in Old LAC was terminated and replaced by a corresponding subscription agreement between GM and the Company whereby the proceeds of the Tranche 2 Investment will be received by the Company.
Pursuant to the second tranche subscription agreement, GM will purchase common shares of the Company subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, including the condition that the Company secures sufficient funding to complete the development of Phase 1 for Thacker Pass (the “Funding Condition”). The subscription agreement calls for an aggregate purchase price of up to $330 million, with the number of shares to be determined using a conversion price equal to the lower of (a) the 5-day volume weighted average share price (which is determined as of the date the notice that the Funding Condition has been met) or (b) $17.36 per share.
Consistent with typical subscription agreements, the Tranche 2 Investment agreement is an executory contract that provides for certain conditions to closing and rights of termination, including in this instance a right which may be exercised upon certain conditions not being met by August 16, 2024. The Company continues to work closely with the DOE and GM to close the financings necessary to fund Thacker Pass and expects to close the DOE Loan and GM investment in the second half of the year.
As part of the Arrangement, the agreement to supply GM with lithium carbonate production from Thacker Pass (the “Offtake Agreement”) was assigned by Old LAC to the Company.
Pursuant to the Offtake Agreement, GM may purchase up to 100% of Thacker Pass Phase 1 production at a price based on prevailing market rates. The term of the arrangement for Phase 1 production is ten years, subject to a five-year extension at GM’s option and other limited extensions. Pursuant to the Offtake Agreement, the Company has also granted GM a right of first offer on Thacker Pass Phase 2 production. The volume available under the Offtake Agreement is subject to the receipt of the second tranche of GM’s investment and may be reduced proportionately in certain circumstances if GM’s remaining investment is less than $330 million.
ESG-S Reporting
The Company published an ESG-S Report themed “Advancing Sustainable Value Creation,” for the reporting period of January 1 to December 31, 2023, including activities related to Thacker Pass and the Company’s Lithium Technical Development Center. The ESG-S report highlights the Company’s commitment to sustainably develop Thacker Pass to become a responsible lithium producer and create value for stakeholders. The report includes progress made to build out the Company’s corporate governance, transition the safety culture from exploration and development to construction, continue social responsibility with local communities and advance environmental stewardship to minimize impact. Achievements include:
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Provided employment opportunities to Fort McDermit Paiute and Shoshone Tribe members. In 2023, over 70% of new hires to support Thacker Pass are local to Nevada.
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Established a board-level Technical Committee to oversee the Company’s exploration, project development and technical-functions and project execution risk.
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Adopted additional policies, including Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy, Human Rights Policy, Integrity Policy, Information Technology and Cybersecurity Policy and a Vendor Code of Conduct.
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Achieved ISO 90001:2015 Quality Management System Certification at the Tech Center.
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Signed a PLA with NABTU for construction jobs.
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Developed a Safety Roadmap, modeled after the ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System.
The ESG-S report is available on the Company’s website.
10
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Quarterly Information
The following table sets out selected financial information for each of the eight most recent quarters, the latest of which ended June 30, 2024. Financial information prior to Q4 2023 has been derived from the historical carve-out financial statements of the Company and was prepared as if the Company had operated as a stand-alone entity throughout those reporting periods. The information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the Company’s unaudited interim carve-out financials statements for the relevant periods, the notes thereto and the related management's discussion and analysis for the relevant periods.
(in US$ millions) |
| 2024 |
|
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|
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| 2023 |
|
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|
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| 2022 |
| |||||||||||||||||
| Q2 |
|
| Q1 |
|
| Q4 |
|
| Q3 |
|
| Q2 |
|
| Q1 |
|
| Q4 |
|
| Q3 |
| |||||||||
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| |||||||||
Total assets |
|
| 692.2 |
|
|
| 436.5 |
|
|
| 439.5 |
|
|
| 363.5 |
|
|
| 358.7 |
|
|
| 351.8 |
|
|
| 27.8 |
|
|
| 28.2 |
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
| 296.6 |
|
|
| 268.3 |
|
|
| 206.1 |
|
|
| 132.0 |
|
|
| 83.4 |
|
|
| 29.4 |
|
|
| 3.9 |
|
|
| 3.8 |
|
Working capital |
|
| 365.5 |
|
|
| 131.2 |
|
|
| 181.3 |
|
|
| 154.0 |
|
|
| 197.6 |
|
|
| 216.5 |
|
|
| (52.3 | ) |
|
| 0.8 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
| 27.7 |
|
|
| 30.0 |
|
|
| 32.0 |
|
|
| 69.8 |
|
|
| 71.1 |
|
|
| 99.7 |
|
|
| 62.3 |
|
|
| 50.7 |
|
Expenses |
|
| (6.1 | ) |
|
| (5.5 | ) |
|
| (13.7 | ) |
|
| (3.2 | ) |
|
| (5.1 | ) |
|
| (5.6 | ) |
|
| (23.1 | ) |
|
| (11.8 | ) |
Net income/(loss) for the period |
|
| (6.3 | ) |
|
| (6.0 | ) |
|
| (12.9 | ) |
|
| (0.2 | ) |
|
| 10.9 |
|
|
| (1.7 | ) |
|
| (23.5 | ) |
|
| (12.1 | ) |
Basic income/(loss) per common |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
share |
|
| (0.03 | ) |
|
| (0.04 | ) |
|
| (0.08 | ) |
|
| (0.00 | ) |
|
| 0.07 |
|
|
| (0.01 | ) |
|
| (0.15 | ) |
|
| (0.08 | ) |
Notes:
1.
Quarterly amounts added together may not equal to the total reported for the period due to rounding or reclassifications.
2.
Working capital is the difference between current assets and current liabilities (refer to section “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Ratios”).
Over the eight most recent quarters, changes in the Company’s total assets, working capital, liabilities and net income/(loss) were driven mainly by financings, capitalization of construction costs at Thacker Pass commencing on February 1, 2023 and changes in fair value of financial instruments. Financing activities include the Tranche 1 Investment that closed in Q1 2023, $75 million of cash distributed to the Company pursuant to the Arrangement in Q4 2023 and a $275 million underwritten public offering that closed in Q2 2024. Changes in fair value of financial instruments reflect fluctuations in the fair value of the Company's investments in Ascend Elements and GT1 as well as revaluation of the Tranche 2 Investment derivative relating to the issuance of a variable number of the Company's shares for the fixed subscription amount.
In Q2 2024, total assets and working capital increased due to the closing of the Offering. Property, plant and equipment increased due to the capitalization of Thacker Pass construction costs, including detailed engineering, advancing procurement and execution planning and site preparation for the WFH.
In Q1 2024, property, plant and equipment increased due to the capitalization of Thacker Pass construction costs including engineering, earthworks and the delivery of the final WFH modules. The impact on total assets of this increase in capitalized Thacker Pass construction costs was offset by a reduction in cash and settlement of prepaids at December 31, 2023, that were capitalized as construction costs in Q1 2024.
In Q4 2023, property, plant and equipment increased due to the capitalization of Thacker Pass construction costs including engineering, earthworks and the acquisition of a portion of the WFH. The decrease in total liabilities is mainly attributable to the elimination of the $46.3 million loan when the receivable by Old LAC was contributed to the Company pursuant to the Arrangement. As a result of this contribution, this intercompany loan eliminates on consolidation at December 31, 2023.
In Q3 2023, property, plant and equipment increased due to capitalization of Thacker Pass construction costs, including engineering and earthworks.
In Q2 2023, property, plant and equipment increased due to capitalization of Thacker Pass construction costs including engineering. Total liabilities decreased primarily due to a decrease of $19.0 million in the fair value of the derivative liability embedded in the Tranche 2 Investment.
11
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
In Q1 2023, total assets and working capital increased primarily due to cash proceeds from the Tranche 1 Investment and property, plant and equipment increased due to commencement of construction of Thacker Pass and, as a result, capitalization of the related project construction costs. Total liabilities increased primarily due to the Tranche 2 Agreement derivative liability of $24.1 million and an increase of $15.0 million in accounts payable and accrued liabilities due to increased activities related to the commencement of construction on February 1, 2023.
In Q4 2022, total expenses increased due to increased engineering costs in preparation for construction. Liabilities increased as a result of the increased activity.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – NET LOSS ANALYSIS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 Compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
The following table summarizes the results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024 (“YTD Q2 2024”) compared with the six months ended June 30, 2023 (“YTD Q2 2023”):
Financial results |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
| Change |
| ||||||
(in US$ million) |
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
|
|
|
| |||
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||||
Exploration and evaluation expenditures |
| - |
|
|
| 3.7 |
|
| 3.7 |
| ||
General and administrative expenses |
|
| 9.1 |
|
|
| 5.4 |
|
|
| (3.7 | ) |
Equity compensation |
|
| 2.6 |
|
|
| 1.6 |
|
|
| (1.0 | ) |
Transaction costs |
|
| 2.2 |
|
|
| 6.8 |
|
|
| 4.6 |
|
Loss/(gain) on financial instruments held at fair value |
|
| 4.5 |
|
|
| (27.0 | ) |
|
| (31.5 | ) |
Finance costs |
| - |
|
|
| 0.3 |
|
|
| 0.3 |
| |
Finance and other income |
|
| (6.1 | ) |
| - |
|
|
| 6.1 |
| |
NET (INCOME)/LOSS |
|
| 12.3 |
|
|
| (9.2 | ) |
|
| (21.5 | ) |
Net loss of $12.3 million in YTD Q2 2024 compared with net income of $9.2 million in YTD Q2 2023 is primarily attributable to:
•
Nominal change in fair value of the GM Transaction derivative liability in YTD Q2 2024 compared with a gain of $28.1 million in YTD Q2 2023. The derivative is attributable to the variability in the number of shares to be issued pursuant to the Tranche 2 Investment. In YTD Q2 2023, the $28.1 million gain on change in fair value of the GM derivative liability reflected a decrease in the Company's share price and volatility and risk-free rate assumptions from December 31, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
•
An increase in general and administrative and equity compensation reflecting full general and administrative expenses of the Company as a stand-alone entity post-Separation compared with the allocation of salaries and general and administrative expenses used for YTD Q2 2023, which was prepared on a carve-out basis.
•
Loss on change in fair value of the investment in GT1 of $1.9 million in YTD Q2 2024 compared with a loss of $1.1 million in YTD Q2 2023. The losses reflect the reduction in the publicly-listed share price of GT1 at the respective dates.
•
Loss on change in fair value of the investment in Ascend Elements of $2.6 million in YTD Q2 2024. The losses reflect an estimate of the change in the fair value determined by management based on the overall downturn of the battery recycling market as measured by the average reduction in the fair value of publicly-traded peer companies during the period.
The increase in net loss was partially offset by:
•
Finance and other income during YTD Q2 2024 of $6.1 million compared with $nil in YTD Q2 2023, which is primarily due to interest earned on higher balances of cash and short-term deposits after the Separation and the receipt of proceeds pursuant to the Offering.
12
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
•
Lower transaction costs of $2.2 million during YTD Q2 2024 compared with $6.8 million in YTD Q2 2023. Transaction costs mainly related to the DOE Loan and other financing activities in YTD Q2 2024 and the GM Transaction and the Separation in YTD Q2 2023.
Expenses
Exploration and evaluation expenditures of $nil in YTD Q2 2024 compared with $3.7 million in YTD Q2 2023 due to the commencement of construction of Thacker Pass for accounting purposes that resulted in the capitalization of a majority of the project costs commencing on February 1, 2023.
General and administrative expenses during YTD Q2 2024 increased to $9.1 million from $5.4 million in YTD Q2 2023 reflecting full expenses of the Company as a stand-alone entity post-Separation compared with the allocation of salaries and general and administrative expenses used for YTD Q2 2023, which was prepared on a carve-out basis.
Other Items
Transaction costs of $2.2 million during YTD Q2 2024 reflected costs associated with advancing the DOE Loan and other financing activities compared with $6.8 million in YTD Q2 2023, which reflected transaction costs related to the GM Transaction and the Separation. The loss on change in fair value of the investment in GT1 of $1.9 million during YTD Q2 compared to the loss of $1.1 million in YTD Q2 2023 reflected the publicly-listed share price at the respective dates. The nominal change in fair value of the GM derivative liability during YTD Q2 2024 compared with a gain of $28.1 million in YTD Q2 2023 reflected the decrease in the market value of the Company’s share price and an increase in the volatility assumption. The loss on change in fair value of investment in Ascend Elements during YTD Q2 2024 of $2.6 million compared with $nil in YTD Q2 2023 reflected the overall downturn of the battery recycling market. Finance and other income of $6.1 million during YTD Q2 2024 compared with $nil in YTD Q2 2023 reflected interest earned on higher balances of cash on hand after the Separation and the Offering.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 Compared with Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
The following table summarizes the results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2024 (“Q2 2024”) compared with the three months ended June 30, 2023 (“Q2 2023”).
Financial results |
| Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
| Change |
| ||||||
(in US$ million) |
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
|
|
|
| |||
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||||
General and administrative expenses |
|
| 4.8 |
|
|
| 3.7 |
|
|
| (1.1 | ) |
Equity compensation |
|
| 1.4 |
|
|
| 1.4 |
|
|
| - |
|
Transaction costs |
|
| 1.3 |
|
|
| 2.8 |
|
|
| 1.5 |
|
Loss/(gain) on financial instruments held at fair value |
|
| 3.0 |
|
|
| (18.8 | ) |
|
| (21.8 | ) |
Finance and other income |
|
| (4.2 | ) |
|
| - |
|
|
| 4.2 |
|
NET (INCOME)/LOSS |
|
| 6.3 |
|
|
| (10.9 | ) |
|
| (17.2 | ) |
Net loss of $6.3 million in Q2 2024 compared with net income of $10.9 million in Q2 2023 is primarily attributable to:
•
Gain on change in fair value of the GM Transaction derivative liability of $0.2 million compared with a gain of $19.1 million in Q2 2023. The derivative is attributable to the variability in the number of shares to be issued pursuant to the Tranche 2 Investment. The $0.2 million gain in Q2 2024 is driven by a decrease in the market value of the Company’s share price and an increase in the volatility assumption from March 31, 2024 to June 30, 2024. In Q2 2023, the $19.1 million gain on change in fair value of the derivative liability reflected a decrease in the Company's share price and volatility and risk-free rate assumptions from March 31, 2023 to June 30, 2023.
•
An increase in general and administrative and equity compensation reflecting full general and administrative expenses of the Company as a stand-alone entity post-Separation compared with the allocation of salaries and general and administrative expenses used for Q2 2023, which was prepared on a carve-out basis.
13
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
•
Loss on change in fair value of the investment in GT1 of $0.6 million in Q2 2024 compared with a loss of $0.3 million in Q2 2023. The losses reflect the reduction in the publicly-listed share price of GT1 at the respective dates.
•
Loss on change in fair value of the investment in Ascend Elements of $2.6 million in Q2 2024. The losses reflect an estimate of the change in the fair value determined by management based on the overall downturn of the battery recycling market as measured by the average reduction in the fair value of publicly-traded peer companies during the period.
The increase in net loss was partially offset by:
•
Higher finance and other income during Q2 2024 of $4.2 million compared with $nil in Q2 2023, which is primarily due to interest earned on higher balances of cash on hand after the Separation and the Offering.
•
Lower transaction costs of $1.3 million compared with $2.8 million in Q2 2023. Transaction costs mainly related to the DOE Loan and other financing activities in Q2 2024 and the GM transaction and the Separation in Q2 2023.
Expenses
General and administrative expenses during Q2 2024 increased to $4.8 million from $3.7 million in Q2 2023 reflecting expenses of the Company as a stand-alone entity post-Separation compared with the allocation of salaries and general and administrative expenses used for Q2 2023, which was prepared on a carve-out basis.
Other Items
Transaction costs of $1.3 million during Q2 2024 reflected costs associated with advancing the DOE Loan compared with $2.8 million in Q2 2023, which reflected transaction costs related to the GM Transaction and the Separation. The loss on change in fair value of the investment in GT1 of $0.6 million during Q2 2024 compared to the loss of $0.3 million in Q2 2023 reflected the publicly-listed share price at the respective dates. The gain on change in fair value of the GM derivative liability of $0.2 million during Q2 2024 compared with a gain of $19.1 million in Q2 2023 reflected the decrease in the market value of the Company’s share price and an increase in the volatility assumption. The loss on change in fair value of investment in Ascend Elements during Q2 2024 of $2.6 million compared with $nil in Q2 2023 reflected the overall downturn of the battery recycling market in the three months ended June 30, 2024. Finance and other income of $4.2 million during Q2 2024 compared with $nil in Q2 2023 was primarily due to interest earned on higher balances of cash on hand after the Separation and the Offering.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash Flow Highlights |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
| |||||
(in US$ million) |
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| ||
Cash used in operating activities |
|
| (4.1 | ) |
|
| (27.2 | ) |
Cash used in investing activities |
|
| (77.3 | ) |
|
| (56.5 | ) |
Cash provided by financing activities |
|
| 261.7 |
|
|
| 344.9 |
|
Change in cash and cash equivalents |
|
| 180.3 |
|
|
| 261.2 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of the period |
|
| 195.5 |
|
|
| 0.6 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents - end of the period |
|
| 375.8 |
|
|
| 261.8 |
|
As at June 30, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $375.8 million (June 30, 2023 - $261.8 million).
Liquidity Outlook
The Company’s working capital was $365.5 million at June 30, 2024 compared with $181.3 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in working capital reflects the net proceeds from the Offering, which is partially offset by the expenditure of $77.3 million on Thacker Pass construction activity in YTD Q2 2024.
14
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
On January 30, 2023, Old LAC entered into a purchase agreement with GM pursuant to which GM agreed to make a $650 million equity investment in Old LAC, the proceeds of which are to be used for the development and construction of Thacker Pass. The Transaction is comprised of two tranches, the $320 million first tranche investment and a second tranche investment of up to $330 million. The Tranche 1 Investment closed on February 16, 2023. In conjunction with the Separation on October 3, 2023, the Tranche 2 Investment agreement between GM and Old LAC was terminated and replaced by a corresponding subscription agreement between GM and the Company.
Following a robust due diligence and term sheet negotiation process since receiving the Letter of Substantial Completion in February 2023, on March 12, 2024, the DOE provided the Company with Conditional Commitment of a DOE Loan for $2.26 billion with a 24-year maturity and interest rates fixed from the date of each monthly advance for the term of the loan at then applicable U.S. Treasury rates. The Conditional Commitment represents a significant milestone and demonstrates the DOE’s intent to finance Thacker Pass. Certain technical, legal and financial conditions, including negotiation of definitive financing documents, must be satisfied before funding of the DOE Loan.
The DOE Loan is to finance the construction of the processing facilities at Thacker Pass Phase 1 and will include interest accrued during construction, which is estimated to be $290 million over the three-year construction period. The expected funding from the DOE Loan, GM’s strategic investment, the proceeds from the Offering and cash on hand are expected to substantially fund the construction of Thacker Pass Phase 1.
The Company continues to develop Thacker Pass and does not generate revenues from operations. The Company’s capital resources are driven by the status of its projects, and its ability to compete for investor support of its projects.
Over the long-term, the Company expects to meet its obligations and fund the development of Thacker Pass through its financing plans described above; however, due to the conditions associated with such financings, there can be no assurance that the Company will successfully complete all of its contemplated financing plans. The Company has the flexibility to manage its expenditure levels in accordance with the anticipated timing of receipt of funds from expected sources of financing. Except as disclosed, the Company does not know of any trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will result in, or that are reasonably likely to result in, its liquidity and capital resources either materially increasing or decreasing at present or in the foreseeable future. The Company does not engage in currency hedging to offset any risk of currency fluctuations.
Operating Activities
Cash used in operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $4.1 million compared with cash used by operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2023 of $27.2 million. The significant components of operating activities are discussed in the Results of Operations section above.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $77.3 million compared with $56.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, which reflects an increased level of construction activity at Thacker Pass in YTD Q2 2024 relative to YTD Q2 2023.
Financing Activities
In Q1 2023, prior to the Separation, the Company was funded with $320.1 million in proceeds from the Tranche 1 Investment that were advanced via a loan from Old LAC (recorded within liabilities) or capital contributions (recorded within Net former parent investment in equity). The Net former parent investment represents Old LAC’s interest in the recorded net assets and the cumulative net equity investment in LAC North America during the period prior to the Separation on October 3, 2023. Subsequent to October 3, 2023, the impact of funding by parent of LAC North America eliminates on consolidation. As a result, the Net former parent investment during the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $nil (2023 – $40.3 million).
On April 22, 2024, the Company completed the Offering for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $275 million or net proceeds of $262 million after deducting underwriters' discount of $12 million and other share issuance costs of $0.8 million.
15
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
CURRENT SHARE INFORMATION
Issued and outstanding securities of the Company as at the date of this MD&A were as follows:
Common Shares issued and outstanding |
|
| 217,999,254 |
|
Restricted Share Units (RSUs) |
|
| 2,668,042 |
|
Deferred Share Units (DSUs) |
|
| 193,504 |
|
Performance Share Units (PSUs) |
|
| 735,133 |
|
Common shares, fully diluted |
|
| 221,595,933 |
|
All equity incentive units can be settled as common shares on a one-for-one basis, except for PSUs. The number of common shares issuable upon vesting of PSUs granted after the Separation depends on the performance of the Company’s shares over a predetermined performance periods as compared to a prescribed peer group of companies and can vary from zero to up to two times the number of PSUs granted.
Transition Service Agreement
Upon closing of the Arrangement, the Company entered into a Transition Services Agreement with Lithium Argentina whereby each company provides various accounting, payroll and other technical services to each other for a defined period of time.
Compensation of Directors and Key Management
The Company’s key management includes the executive management team who supervise day-to-day operations and independent directors on the Company’s Board of Directors who oversee management. Their compensation is as follows:
|
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
| |||||
(in US$ thousands) |
| 2024 |
|
| 2023 |
| ||
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Salaries, bonuses, benefits and directors' fees included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive loss |
|
| 1,879 |
|
|
| 1,100 |
|
Equity compensation |
|
| 1,827 |
|
|
| 1,259 |
|
|
|
| 3,706 |
|
|
| 2,359 |
|
The above numbers represent (a) an allocation of the remuneration of those directors and key management personnel for services allocated by Old LAC to LAC North America for the six months ended June 30, 2023; and (b) the actual costs incurred by the Company for directors and key management personnel of the Company for compensation earned at and incurred by the Company for the six months ended June 30, 2024.
Amounts due to directors and key management personnel as at June 30, 2024 are as follows:
(in US$ thousands) |
| June 30, |
|
| December 31, |
| ||
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||
Total due to directors and key management |
|
| 230 |
|
|
| 2,376 |
|
16
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
As at June 30, 2024, the Company had the following contractual obligations (undiscounted):
|
| Years ending December 31, |
| |||||||||||||||||
(in US$ million) |
| 2024 |
|
| 2025 |
|
| 2026 |
|
| 2027 and |
|
| Total |
| |||||
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
|
| $ |
| ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
| 17,506 |
|
|
| – |
|
|
| – |
|
| – |
|
|
| 17,506 |
| |
Obligations under office leases¹ |
|
| 638 |
|
|
| 1,217 |
|
|
| 829 |
|
|
| 152 |
|
|
| 2,836 |
|
Obligations under land leases¹ |
|
| 34 |
|
|
| 70 |
|
|
| 73 |
|
|
| 4,940 |
|
|
| 5,117 |
|
Other obligations¹ |
|
| 25 |
|
|
| 3,551 |
|
|
| 23 |
|
| – |
|
|
| 3,599 |
| |
Total |
|
| 18,203 |
|
|
| 4,838 |
|
|
| 925 |
|
|
| 5,092 |
|
|
| 29,058 |
|
¹Includes principal and interest/finance charges.
The Company’s commitments including royalties and option payments, most of which will be incurred in the future if the Company starts production from Thacker Pass, are disclosed in Notes 8, 11 and 21 of the Q2 2024 financial statements.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial assets and liabilities are recognized when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the assets have expired or have been transferred and the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.
All of the Company’s financial instruments are classified into financial assets and liabilities measured at amortized cost, other than the shares acquired as part of the investment in GT1 and Ascend Elements, and the GM Tranche 2 derivative liability, which are carried at fair value. All financial instruments are initially measured at fair value plus, in the case of items measured at amortized cost, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the financial asset or financial liability.
Financial assets are measured at amortized cost if they are held for the collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows solely represent payments of principal and interest. The Company’s intent is to hold these financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows. The contractual terms give rise to cash flows on specified dates that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
The Company assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit losses associated with its financial assets carried at amortized cost. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk.
For additional details about the Company’s financial instruments please refer to the Note 21 of the Q2 2024 financial statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.
DECOMMISSIONING PROVISION AND RECLAMATION BOND
The carrying value of the liability for decommissioning that arose to date as a result of exploration activities at Thacker Pass as at June 30, 2024 is $1.7 million. The Company has a $1.7 million reclamation bond payable to the BLM guaranteed by a third-party insurance company. In 2021, BLM approved a reclamation cost estimate for the Thacker Pass plan of operations of $47.6 million. Financial assurance of $13.7 million for the initial work plan was placed with the agency in February 2023 prior to initiating construction with the remaining amount to be placed as construction activities progress.
17
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY AND ACCOUNTING POLICY JUDGMENTS
Please refer to the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, for Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments disclosure and Accounting Policies disclosure. The nature and amount of significant estimates and judgments made by management in applying the Company’s accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty as well as accounting policies applied during the six months ended June 30, 2024, were substantially the same as those that management applied in the annual financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Accounting for the Agreements with General Motors
The Company’s accounting for the agreements with GM, involved judgment, specifically in the Company’s assumption that in the Company’s determination the Offtake Agreement represents an agreement with market selling prices; and that the Offtake Agreement is separate from the equity financing provided by GM.
The fair value of the Tranche 2 Investment subscription agreement with GM involved estimation which was determined using Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation of the fair value required significant assumptions, including expected volatility of the Company’s share price and a risk- free rate.
Commencement of Construction of Thacker Pass
The Company determined that the technical feasibility and commercial viability of Thacker Pass had been demonstrated following the release of the Thacker Pass Feasibility Study on January 31, 2023, the receipt of the favorable ruling from the Federal Court for the issuance of the ROD, and the receipt of notice to proceed from BLM on February 7, 2023. The Company entered into an EPCM agreement and other construction-related contracts. Construction of Thacker Pass, including site preparation, geotechnical drilling, water pipeline development and associated infrastructure has commenced. Accordingly, the Company transferred the capitalized costs of Thacker Pass from exploration and evaluation assets to property, plant and equipment and began to capitalize development costs starting February 1, 2023.
Concurrent with the transfer of the Thacker Pass assets from exploration and evaluation to property, plant and equipment, management completed an impairment test of Thacker Pass which compared the carrying value to the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the greater of the value in use and the fair value less disposal costs. The fair value less disposal costs was calculated using a discounted cash flow model with feasibility study economics. The significant assumptions that impacted the fair value included future lithium prices, capital cost estimates, operating cost estimates, estimated mineral reserves and resources, and the discount rate. Based on the result of the impairment test, management concluded that there was no impairment.
Assessment of Impairment of Thacker Pass
Management conducts an impairment assessment of Thacker Pass if an impairment indicator as defined in accordance with International Accounting Standard 36 Impairment of Assets (“IAS 36”) is identified. Following the identification of the existence of the impairment indicator at June 30, 2024, associated with a decrease in the Company’s market capitalization, management conducted an evaluation of the recoverable amount of Thacker Pass and compared that amount against carrying value. No impairment was identified.
The recoverable amount of Thacker Pass was determined on a fair value basis using a discounted net present value derived from an economic model projecting the after-tax future cash flows of Thacker Pass, less costs to sell. The economic model included an updated initial capital cost of Phase 1 to adjust for new market conditions and updated the assumptions for the forecast sales price of lithium carbonate.
Fair Value Remeasurement of Investment in Ascend Elements
The Company conducted an estimation of the fair value of its investment in Ascend Elements at June 30, 2024. As Ascend Elements is a private company, there is no observable market data to use to determine fair value so management's assessment was based on a review of Ascend Elements' business developments, recent financings and trends in the share prices of other public companies operating in the same industry sector. As a result of this assessment, management
18
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
determined that the fair value of the investment in Ascend Elements declined by 30% based on a number of factors, primarily the overall downturn of the lithium battery recycling market as measured by the decline in the fair value of a basket of peer companies during the second quarter of 2024. As a result, a loss on change in the fair value of the investment in Ascend Elements of $2.6 million was recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Comprehensive Loss for the six months ended June 30, 2024.
NEW IFRS PRONOUNCEMENTS
Amendments to IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements
In October 2022, the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) issued amendments to International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 1, Presentation of Financial Statements titled Non-current Liabilities with Covenants. These amendments sought to improve the information that an entity provides when its right to defer settlement of a liability is subject to compliance with covenants within 12 months after the reporting period. These amendments to IAS 1 override but incorporate the previous amendments, Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current, issued in January 2020, which clarified that liabilities are classified as either current or non-current, depending on the rights that exist at the end of the reporting period. Liabilities should be classified as non-current if a company has a substantive right to defer settlement for at least 12 months at the end of the reporting period. The amendments are effective January 1, 2024, with early adoption permitted. Retrospective application is required on adoption. These amendments did not impact Q1 2024 financial statements.
IFRS 18 – Presentation and Disclosures in Financial Statements
In April 2024, the IASB issued IFRS 18, Presentation and Disclosure of Financial Statements, which replaces IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements. IFRS 18 introduces new requirements for all companies to present specific categories and defined subtotals in the statement of profit and loss, disclose explanations of management defined performance measure if used in the financial statements, and improve aggregation and disaggregation.
The standard is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2027. Retrospective application is required and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on the Company's financial statements.
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
For risks and uncertainties faced by the Company, please refer to the following disclosure documents filed on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov: the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis for the most recently completed financial year, and interim financial period, in the section entitled “Risks and Uncertainties", and the April 17, 2024 Prospectus Supplement filed to the Prospectus dated November 21, 2023 in the section entitled "Risk Factors."
TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND QUALIFIED PERSON
Detailed scientific and technical information on Thacker Pass can be found in (i) the November 2022 Feasibility Study and (ii) the Thacker Pass 1300 Report. The November 2022 Feasibility Study has an effective date of November 2, 2022 and was prepared by Daniel Roth, P.E., Laurie Tahija, QP-MMSA, Eugenio Iasillo, P.E., Kevina Martina, PE., Benson Chow, RM-SME, Walter Mutler, P.E., Kevin Bahe, P.E., Paul Kaplan, P.E., Tyler Cluff, RMSME and Bruce Shannon, P.E., each of whom is a “Qualified Person” for the purposes of NI 43-101 for the sections of the report that they are responsible for preparing and are independent of the Company. The Thacker Pass 1300 Report was prepared by independent companies and not associates or affiliates of the Company or any associated company of the Company and are “qualified persons” within the meaning of Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K.
Copies of the Reports are available on the Company’s website at www.lithiumamericas.com and, as applicable, on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
The scientific and technical information in this MD&A has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Rene LeBlanc, a “Qualified Person” for purposes of NI 43-101 and Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K by virtue of his experience, education, and professional association. Dr. LeBlanc is the Company’s Vice-President of Growth and Product Strategy.
Further information about Thacker Pass, including a description of key assumptions, parameters, description of sampling methods, data verification and QA/QC programs, and methods relating to the results of the feasibility study, the resources and reserves, and factors that may affect those estimates is available in the above-mentioned Reports.
USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS
The Company’s Q2 2024 financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”) applicable to the preparation of interim financial statements, including International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) 34, Interim Financial Reporting. The Q2 2024 financial statements should be read in conjunction with the 2023 Annual Financials which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. This MD&A refers to non-GAAP financial measures “working capital” and expected average annual “EBITDA” with respect to the results of the feasibility study for Thacker Pass, which are not measures recognized under IFRS and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS or by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) in the United States.
These non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other issuers.
“Working capital” is the difference between current assets and current liabilities. It is a financial measure that has been derived from the Company’s financial statements and applied on a consistent basis as appropriate. The Company discloses this financial measure because it believes it assists readers in understanding the results of the Company’s operations and financial position and provides further information about the Company’s financial results to investors.
“EBITDA” is an abbreviation for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Company believes this measure provides investors with an improved ability to evaluate the prospects of the Company and, in particular, Thacker Pass. As Thacker Pass is not in production, this prospective non‐GAAP financial measure may not be reconciled to the nearest comparable measure under IFRS and the equivalent historical non-GAAP financial measure for the prospective non‐GAAP measure or ratio discussed herein is $nil.
These measures should not be considered in isolation or used in substitution for other measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by securities regulators and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed under securities legislation is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its certifying officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company’s management designed the disclosure controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to them on a timely basis. The Company’s management believes that any disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met.
On June 28, 2024, the Company determined that it no longer qualifies as a Foreign Private Issuer as defined by the SEC. On the same date, the Company determined that it retains its SEC filing status as an Emerging Growth Company for the year ended December 31, 2024.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Any system of internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well-designed, has inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. There have been no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the six months ended June 30, 2024, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This MD&A contains certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable United States securities legislation (collectively referred to as “forward-looking information” ("FLI")). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are FLI and can be identified by the use of statements that include, but are not limited to, words, such as “anticipate,” “plan,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “project,” “predict,” “propose,” “potential,” “target,” “implement,” “schedule,” “forecast,” “intend,” “would,” “could,” “might,” “should,” “believe” and similar terminology, or statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. FLI in this MD&A includes, but is not limited to: the anticipated use of net proceeds of the $275 million Offering; expectation that the Tranche 2 Investment, the Offering and cash on hand, together with the DOE Loan will fully fund Thacker Pass Phase 1 construction; expectations regarding closing and accessing funding from the DOE Loan and the Tranche 2 Investment; expectations regarding receipt of FNTP; expectations and timing on the commencement of major construction; the expected operations, financial results and condition of the Company; the Company’s future objectives and strategies to achieve those objectives, including the future prospects of the Company; the estimated cash flow, capitalization and adequacy thereof for the Company; the estimated costs of the development of Thacker Pass, including timing, progress, approach, continuity or change in plans, construction, commissioning, milestones, anticipated production and results thereof and expansion plans; cost and expected benefits of the TLT; anticipated timing to resolve, and the expected outcome of, any complaints or claims made or that could be made concerning the permitting process in the United States for Thacker Pass; estimates, and any change in estimates, of the mineral resources and mineral reserves at Thacker Pass; development of mineral resources and mineral reserves; the realization of mineral resources and mineral reserves estimates, including whether certain mineral resources will ever be developed into mineral reserves, and information and underlying assumptions related thereto; the expected benefits of the Arrangement to, and resulting treatment of, shareholders and the Company; the anticipated effects of the Arrangement; information concerning the tax treatment of the Arrangement; government regulation of mining operations and treatment under governmental and taxation regimes; the future price of commodities, including lithium; the creation of a battery supply chain in the United States to support the electric vehicle market; the timing and amount of future production; currency exchange and interest rates; the Company’s ability to raise capital; expected expenditures to be made by the Company on Thacker Pass; ability to produce high purity battery grade lithium products; settlement of agreements related to the operation and sale of mineral production as well as contracts in respect of operations and inputs required in the course of production; the timing, cost, quantity, capacity and product quality of production at Thacker Pass; successful development of Thacker Pass, including successful results from the Company’s testing facility and third-party tests related thereto; capital costs, operating costs, sustaining capital requirements, after tax net present value and internal rate of return, payback period, sensitivity analyses, and net cash flows of Thacker Pass; the expected capital expenditures for the construction of Thacker Pass; anticipated job creation and WFH; the expected progress of construction of the community center and the Company’s other obligations under the CBA; the expectation that the PLA will minimize construction risk, ensure availability of skilled labor, address the challenges associated with Thacker Pass’ remote location and be effective in prioritizing employment of local and regional skilled craft workers, including members of underrepresented communities; the expected workforce development training program being prepared with Great Basin College; the Company’s commitment to sustainable development, minimizing the environmental impact at Thacker Pass and plans for phased reclamation during the life of mine including use benefits of growth media; ability to achieve capital cost efficiencies; the Tranche 2 Investment and the potential for additional financing scenarios for Thacker Pass; the ability of the Company to complete the Tranche 2 Investment on the terms and timeline anticipated, or at all; the receipt of required stock exchange and regulatory approvals
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
and authorizations, and the securing of sufficient available funding to complete the development of Phase 1 of Thacker Pass as required for the Tranche 2 Investment; the expected benefits of the Tranche 2 Investment; the ability of the Company to complete the DOE Loan on the terms and timeline anticipated, or at all, including, but not limited to, need for letters of credit; as well as other statements with respect to management’s beliefs, plans, estimates and intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events, results, circumstances, performance or expectations that are not historical facts.
FLI involves known and unknown risks, assumptions and other factors that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially. FLI reflects the Company’s current views about future events, and while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this MD&A, are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. Accordingly, there can be no certainty that they will accurately reflect actual results. Assumptions upon which such FLI is based include, without limitation: a cordial business relationship between the Company and third party strategic and contractual partners; the risk of tax liabilities as a result of the Arrangement, and general business and economic uncertainties and adverse market conditions; the risk that the Arrangement may not be tax-free for income tax purposes and potential significant tax liabilities that the Company may be exposed to if the tax-deferred spinoff rules are not met; the risk of tax indemnity obligations owed by the Company to Lithium Argentina following the Arrangement becoming payable, including as a result of events outside of the Company's control; uncertainties inherent to feasibility studies and mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; the ability of the Company to secure sufficient additional financing, advance and develop Thacker Pass, and to produce battery grade lithium; the respective benefits and impacts of Thacker Pass when production operations commence; settlement of agreements related to the operation and sale of mineral production as well as contracts in respect of operations and inputs required in the course of production; the Company’s ability to operate in a safe and effective manner, and without material adverse impact from the effects of climate change or severe weather conditions; uncertainties relating to receiving and maintaining mining, exploration, environmental and other permits or approvals in Nevada; demand for lithium, including that such demand is supported by growth in the electric vehicle market; current technological trends; the impact of increasing competition in the lithium business, and the Company’s competitive position in the industry; continuing support of local communities and the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe for Thacker Pass; continuing constructive engagement with these and other stakeholders, and any expected benefits of such engagement; the stable and supportive legislative, regulatory and community environment in the jurisdictions where the Company operates; impacts of inflation, currency exchanges rates, interest rates and other general economic and stock market conditions; the impact of unknown financial contingencies, including litigation costs, environmental compliance costs and costs associated with the impacts of climate change, on the Company’s operations; increased attention to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) and sustainability-related matters, risks related to the Company’s public statements with respect to such matters that may be subject to heightened scrutiny from public and governmental authorities related to the risk of potential “greenwashing,” (i.e., misleading information or false claims overstating potential sustainability-related benefits); risks that the Company may face regarding potentially conflicting anti-ESG initiatives from certain U.S. state or other governments; estimates of and unpredictable changes to the market prices for lithium products; development and construction costs for Thacker Pass, and costs for any additional exploration work at the project; estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves, including whether mineral resources not included in mineral reserves will be further developed into mineral reserves; reliability of technical data; anticipated timing and results of exploration, development and construction activities, including the impact of ongoing supply chain disruptions and availability of equipment and supplies on such timing; timely responses from governmental agencies responsible for reviewing and considering the Company’s permitting activities at Thacker Pass; availability of technology, including low carbon energy sources and water rights, on acceptable terms to advance Thacker Pass; the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms or at all, including the outcome of the DOE Loan; government regulation of mining operations and mergers and acquisitions activity, and treatment under governmental, regulatory and taxation regimes; ability to realize expected benefits from investments in or partnerships with third parties; accuracy of development budgets and construction estimates; that the Company will meet its future objectives and priorities; that the Company will have access to adequate capital to fund its future projects and plans; that such future projects and plans will proceed as anticipated; the ability of the Company to satisfy all closing conditions for the Tranche 2 Investment and complete the Tranche 2 Investment in a timely manner; the impact of the Tranche 2 Investment on dilution of shareholders and on the trading price for, and market for trading in, the securities of the Company; as well as assumptions concerning general economic and industry growth rates, commodity prices, currency exchange and interest
22
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
(Expressed in US dollars, unless stated otherwise)
rates and competitive conditions. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such FLI are reasonable, the Company can give no assurance that these assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists of factors is not exhaustive. There can be no assurance that FLI will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information, and that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose, including investment purposes. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any FLI as a result of the risk factors set out herein, and in the Company’s other continuous disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Readers are further cautioned to review the full description of risks, uncertainties and management’s assumptions in the aforementioned documents and other disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ and on EDGAR.
The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update FLI as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as and to the extent required by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking financial information also constitutes FLI within the context of applicable securities laws and as such, is subject to the same risks, uncertainties and assumptions as are set out in the cautionary note above.
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