Lithium Loop

Choose Nevada for Lithium Value Supply

From mining, manufacturing and recycling, Nevada offers unmatched opportunities for lithium companies.

Nevada’s abundant lithium resources are driving advancements in technology, fueling the electric vehicle industry, and creating new economic opportunities across the state. Whether you’re a company, industry professional, investor, or simply interested in the future of energy, we invite you to learn more about our strategic initiatives, key partnerships, and the critical role Nevada plays in the global energy landscape. We’re powering progress, one lithium resource at a time.

7th Largest Export
in Nevada

Lithium batteries surged from $0 in 2014 to a top export by 2023

*Source: Tax Foundation,
Business Facilities

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WHY NEVADA?

RICH RESOURCES

Nevada boasts abundant lithium deposits, boron, and other vital materials, powering the future of clean energy innovation.

RAPID GROWTH

Nevada’s lithium industry is growing rapidly, with job projections outpacing national averages—leading the U.S. in supply chain development.

STRONG SUPPORT

With programs like gener8tor and robust infrastructure, Nevada provides the tools and support businesses need to thrive.

Nevada’s Role in the Lithium Value Supply Chain

DEFINED STAGES

Click each stage to learn more!

Exploration, Extraction, and Processing

1. Exploration is the initial phase in finding a viable lithium deposit for potential mining. It includes drilling and tests to assess mineral abundance. Positive results lead to permit applications for mine and processing facility development.

2. Mining entails extracting lithium minerals from claystone rocks or brines. In Nevada, while most deposits are claystone, current extraction is from lithium-enriched brines pumped for processing. Advanced-stage claystone deposits are poised to become mines soon, and exploration for new brine deposits is ongoing.

3. Processing includes a sequence of physical and chemical steps to extract lithium from mined ores or pumped brines. This results in high-purity lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, which can be refined in Stage 2 for battery-grade lithium. Processing may also yield marketable byproducts in addition to recovering lithium.

Additional Materials

GOED Incentive Manual

Nevada Standard Tax Abatements

NV Abatement Flyer

Companies

Albemarle
American Battery Technology Company
Century Lithium Corp (Exploration)
HeliosX/Dajin US Corp
HeliosX/Dajin US Corp
HeliosX/Dajin US Corp
Luna Lithium (Exploration)
Ioneer
Lilac Solutions/Western Ceramics Company
Lithium Americas/Thacker Pass
Redwood Materials (Processing)
Rover Metals
Schumberger/NeoLith Energy (SLB)
Surge Battery Metals (Exploration)
Tonopah

Refined Chemical Manufacturing

1. Lithium solution is treated through crystallization to remove other minerals such as magnesium and potassium from the solution. Positive results lead to permit applications for mine and processing facility development.

2. Lithium batteries require highly purified lithium chemicals. Significant refinement is necessary to remove contaminants to as low as 1 part per billion.

Cathode/ Anode/ Separator/ Electrolyte

CATHODE
Lithium chemicals are blended with a chemical “sponge” to make a cathode. The chemicals in the sponge could include cobalt, iron phosphate, manganese oxide, nickel or aluminum. When a battery is being charged, the cathode sends energy to the anode for use.

ANODE
1. Anodes are typically made from graphite that has been treated to absorb lithium during the discharge of the battery.

2. The materials for the anode can be sourced from natural sources (mines) or synthetically produced.

SEPARATOR
Common plastic is prepared to be as thin as possible with special ion conducting channels. These channels act like the highway allowing the lithium to move from the cathode to the anode during discharge, and flow back to the cathode during charging.

ELECTROLYTE
The electrolyte is a liquid that transports the lithium atoms between the cathode and anode through the separator. This also uses ultrahigh purity lithium carbonate in it’s manufacture.

Battery Cells

Each battery contains a series of anodes and cathodes assembled into thin metal foils. These foils collect the current from the anode and cathode and move them to the electrical pickups on the cell. The foils are “stacked” with a separator in between.

For cylindrical batteries, the series of foils are wound together like a cinnamon roll. These rolls are then inserted into the can or battery cell.
For rectangular (prismatic) batteries, the anode, separator, and cathode foils are stacked like a layer cake before being inserted into the rectangular pouch or battery cell.

The cell is then filled with electrolyte and sealed.

Battery Packs

1. The battery cells are assembled into packs that fit within the structure of an electric vehicle (EV), energy storage device, or other application.

2. The battery packs include Battery Management Systems, which are computers, high-power electronics, and connections that maintain the internal temperatures and manage the battery charging and discharging.

3. The structure of the battery pack includes armor to protect the user and equipment.

EV Application

Electric vehicles consist of a battery pack, a motor assembly with a final drive, and electronics that manage energy flow from the battery to power the vehicle’s motion. The motor assembly also functions as a generator, recovering energy when the vehicle slows down.

Recycling

With proper design and use, lithium batteries can last for decades. Eventually, however, they degrade as atoms within the battery shift, preventing effective energy storage and discharge. Recycling allows many of these materials to be reprocessed and refined into new batteries.

Additional Materials

GOED Incentive Manual

Nevada Standard Tax Abatements

NV Abatement Flyer

Companies

Albemarle
American Battery Technology Company
Century Lithium Corp (Exploration)
HeliosX/Dajin US Corp
HeliosX/Dajin US Corp
HeliosX/Dajin US Corp
Luna Lithium (Exploration)
Ioneer
Lilac Solutions/Western Ceramics Company
Lithium Americas/Thacker Pass
Redwood Materials (Processing)
Rover Metals
Schumberger/NeoLith Energy (SLB)
Surge Battery Metals (Exploration)
Tonopah

Access a detailed list of companies by stageDownload Full Snapshot

Lithium Loop Supply Chain

Nevada’s lithium industry is witnessing exceptional growth, with job opportunities increasing at twice the national rate. This accelerated expansion solidifies Nevada’s position as a leader in the lithium supply chain, providing businesses with unrivaled access to a skilled workforce and a thriving market. Explore the Lithium Loop supply chain by clicking on each section to discover the companies specializing in that stage.

2x FASTER Nevada’s lithium jobs are growing twice as fast as the national average

Projected Lithium Supply Chain Jobs in Nevada

USA I 2015 TO 2030
Purple line-US
Green line-NV

Graph provided by Redwood Material

Graph depicts the % growth, not actual jobs

Nevada based lithium companies

if your company is not listed please reach out goed@goed.nv.gov

Support for Innovators in Nevada

Nevada offers a robust support system for start-ups in the lithium and clean energy sectors. With programs like gener8tor, the Nevada Tech Hub, NSF Engines, and the Recharge Nevada Initiative, new businesses can access mentorship, funding, and critical resources to accelerate growth.

Nevada Initiative & Awards

Nevada Tech Hub

The Nevada Lithium Batteries and Other EV Material Loop (Nevada Tech Hub), led by UNR, aims to make Nevada a key player in the lithium supply chain and hub for sustainable electrification storage industry.

NSF Engines

The Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine, led by ASU, drives water security, renewable energy, and carbon reduction in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah through technology and workforce development.

gener8tor

The Electrify Nevada Accelerator supports visionary founders advancing sustainable energy and circular economy solutions. With four programs annually, it helps innovative entrepreneurs scale breakthrough technologies in Nevada, a leader in clean energy and next-gen battery production.

Recharge Nevada Initiative

The Recharge Nevada Initiative is a statewide effort to support the growth of clean energy innovations, focusing on lithium and electric vehicle technologies to drive sustainable economic development in Nevada.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the ‘Lithium Loop’?

The Lithium Loop refers to the complete, circular lithium supply chain operating within Nevada – from exploration to recycling. Nevada is the only U.S. state currently active in all 7 stages of this loop:

1. Exploration, Extraction, and Processing
2. Refined Chemical Manufacturing
3. Cathode/Anode/Separator/Electrolyte
4. Battery Cells
5. Battery Packs
6. EV Application
7. Recycling

Why invest in Nevada?

Nevada is home to the largest known lithium deposit in the Unities States. As the U.S. works to reduce its reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals, the lithium industry is expected to grow astronomically in strategic clusters across the country.

Nevada is one of those key clusters for a reason. The state gives companies in the lithium loop supply chain access to high-quality resources, strong policy support at both state and federal levels, and a booming battery industry – all within a pro-business state that understands the mining sector.

What Incentives Does Nevada Offer for Lithium Businesses?

Nevada currently has an array of programs to support the “Lithium Loop”. State-Level Incentives:

Sales & Use Tax Abatements
Modified Business Tax Abatements
Personal Property Tax Abatements
Real Property Tax Abatements for Recycling
Designated Qualified Opportunity Zones

Learn more at: www.goed.nv.gov/incentives

Federal-Level Incentives:

Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing & Recycling Grants
Inflation Reduction Act Credits
Department of Energy Grants & Loans
Infrastructure and Energy Support Programs

Special Designations & Partnerships:

Lithium Loop Initiative
Economic Development Rate (EDR) for Energy
Recharge Nevada
Nevada Battery Collation

Note: Eligibility for these incentives depends on specific qualifications. [Learn more about Nevada’s incentive programs here.]

What is the current workforce like in the critical mineral mining industry?

Nevada currently employs more than 20,000 across the Lithium Supply Chain.
Source: Lightcast

What is the projected industry growth?

Over the next two decades, global demand for minerals used in clean energy—especially lithium—is expected to surge, with lithium demand projected to grow over 40 times by 2040. Nevada’s Thacker Pass and Rhyolite Ridge projects alone could support battery production for more than 1.1 million electric vehicles each year, positioning the state as a critical player in the clean energy transition.

Sources: International Energy Agency (IEA)
US Department of Energy

What is Nevada doing to ensure responsible lithium mining?

Nevada’s lithium projects are subject to oversight by the the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) and other regulatory bodies. Companies must comply with environmental regulations, land reclamation standards, and sustainability commitments.

What role does Lithium play in the future of Nevada?

Nevada is positioning itself as a global leader in lithium productions and innovation.
With increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage products, lithium will continue to shape the state’s economy, workforce and technology ecosystem.

How does Nevada compare to other lithium-producing regions?

Globally, Nevada competes with major lithium producers like Chile, Argentina, Australia, and China. Domestically, Nevada stands out for its stable regulatory environment, access to U.S. markets, and a vertically integrated supply chain—making it a cornerstone in America’s push for critical mineral independence and a national leader in lithium development.

What other critical resources does Nevada provide besides lithium?

Nevada is the top gold-producing state in the U.S. and one of the largest gold producers in the world. It also produces a substantial amount of silver, copper, and other critical minerals.

Learn more at Nevada’s Division of Minerals & the Commission on Mineral Resources website: https://minerals.nv.gov/.