Emerson announced that it has been selected by Lithium Americas Corp. to supply a full suite of automation and technical services for the Thacker Pass lithium project in northern Nevada. The scope includes field instrumentation, process‑control hardware and software, final‑control valves, and reliability‑centered maintenance technologies that will be integrated into the mine’s production, processing, and power‑generation facilities.
The Thacker Pass site is the largest known measured lithium deposit in North America, with Phase 1 slated to produce up to 40,000 tonnes of battery‑quality lithium carbonate per year. That output is enough to power roughly 800,000 electric vehicles annually, underscoring the project’s strategic importance as the United States seeks to reduce dependence on foreign lithium supplies for its growing EV and energy‑storage markets.
Emerson’s involvement aligns with its transformation into a leading industrial‑automation provider. The company has already deployed similar solutions in mining and mineral‑processing plants, and the Thacker Pass contract expands its footprint in the critical‑minerals supply chain. “Thacker Pass is a landmark project for North America’s electrification,” said Emerson COO Ram Krishnan, highlighting the partnership’s role in advancing domestic battery‑raw‑material production.
While the contract value was not disclosed, Emerson’s recent Q4 2025 results provide context for the company’s financial position. Adjusted earnings per share of $1.62 beat consensus by $0.05, driven by disciplined cost management and a favorable mix of high‑margin automation contracts. Revenue, however, missed estimates by $200 million, reflecting broader macro‑economic pressure on industrial equipment demand. The earnings beat signals that Emerson’s automation solutions remain in demand even as overall equipment sales face headwinds.
Lithium Americas has secured a $2.26 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy and a strategic investment from General Motors, positioning Thacker Pass to begin Phase 1 production in late 2027. The project has attracted scrutiny over water use and potential groundwater impacts, but the company has outlined mitigation plans that include closed‑loop water recycling and community engagement initiatives. “Working with Emerson will help us safely and sustainably produce lithium from Thacker Pass,” said Lithium Americas CEO Jonathan Evans, emphasizing the partnership’s contribution to a resilient U.S. supply chain.
The contract signals a broader trend of U.S. companies investing in domestic critical‑minerals production to support the electric‑vehicle boom. Emerson’s automation expertise is expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and lower the project’s total cost of ownership, thereby improving the economics of lithium extraction and processing. The partnership also reinforces Emerson’s strategy to focus on high‑growth sectors such as energy transition and electrification, positioning the company for continued growth in the coming years.
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