Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC) (NYSE: LAC) appointed Clayton Walker as an independent member of its board of directors, effective immediately.

Walker brings over 25 years of experience in global mining operations. He previously served as Chief Growth and Development Officer at Rio Tinto, where he oversaw the strategic direction and execution of the Copper Growth Portfolio. From 2021-2025, he worked as Chief Operating Officer for Rio Tinto's Copper product group, leading global teams across operations and projects in the Americas, including Rio Tinto Kennecott in Utah and Resolution Copper in Arizona.

From 2016-2021, Walker served as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman of Iron Ore Company of Canada. Prior to that role, he spent 15 years in various management positions at Rio Tinto. Walker holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Utah.

Lithium Americas is developing the Thacker Pass project in Humboldt County, Nevada. Phase 1 is designed for production capacity of 40,000 tonnes per year of battery-quality lithium carbonate, with mechanical completion targeted for late 2027. The project is owned through a joint venture between Lithium Americas, which holds a 62% interest, and General Motors Holdings LLC, which holds a 38% interest.

Project financing for Phase 1 includes a $2.23 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy and investments from General Motors and Orion Resource Partners LP. The DOE holds warrants for a 5% equity stake in the company and warrants for a 5% non-voting, non-transferable equity interest in the joint venture.