AMPO POYAM VALVES is contributing to the Thacker Pass lithium project in Humboldt County, Northern Nevada, one of the most significant lithium developments in North America.

The project is being developed by a joint venture between Lithium Americas and General Motors, with Bechtel Mining & Metals serving as engineering, procurement and construction management contractor.

Thacker Pass is designed to process sedimentary lithium resources through a shallow open-pit mine and large-scale processing facility covering approximately 642 acres. The operation will produce battery-grade lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) for electric vehicle batteries and has an expected mine life of 85 years.

Phase 1 construction began in March 2023, with mechanical completion targeted for late 2027 and commercial production expected to ramp up during 2028.

Once completed, Phase 1 is expected to produce more than eight times the current US output of lithium carbonate for EV batteries.

Full development across five phases could eventually raise production capacity to 160,000 tonnes per year.

Sustainability is also a key component of the project, with plans to recycle more than 85% of groundwater used in the processing plant and generate more than 40% of its electricity on site.

For the project, Bechtel selected AMPO POYAM VALVES to supply severe-service ball valves designed for the demanding conditions associated with lithium processing.

The scope includes valves manufactured in duplex, stainless steel and carbon steel, with sizes up to 20 inches and pressure classes up to 600 lb.

Lithium extraction and processing can expose equipment to highly corrosive and abrasive media, as well as significant temperature variations.

AMPO said its valves were specifically engineered to withstand these conditions and provide reliable, long-term performance across different stages of the processing facility.

The company’s engineering team worked closely with Bechtel from the early stages of the project to develop application-specific solutions.

These included specialised painting systems and engineering measures designed to address extreme temperature conditions.

Valve deliveries began in 2026 and are scheduled for completion during the first quarter of 2027, in line with the project’s construction programme.

The contract builds on AMPO’s established relationship with Bechtel across energy and industrial projects worldwide. The company said the award reflects confidence in its engineering capabilities, manufacturing expertise and experience with severe-service applications.

The Thacker Pass project also strengthens AMPO’s presence in North America’s mining and battery-materials sector, an increasingly important industry as demand for lithium grows alongside the global transition towards electric vehicles and lower-carbon energy technologies.

Through its integrated manufacturing capabilities and experience in demanding process applications, AMPO POYAM VALVES is positioning itself as a supplier to major critical-mineral projects supporting the development of future energy and mobility supply chains. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service