2nd Annual Nevada Lithium Summit Showcases State’s Leadership in Advanced Energy and Innovation

Building off last year's success, the Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative in partnership with the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED), the Nevada Battery Coalition and the University of Nevada, Reno is hosting the 2nd Annual Governor's Lithium Summit, also known as Elements of Change: Lithium & Strategic Minerals Forum. The two-day summit is bringing together industry leaders, government officials, researchers, and entrepreneurs to discuss the future of critical minerals, and advanced energy in Nevada.

The summit will continue tomorrow. Friday the 19th: Full panel list here.
To access media from Day 1, please click here
For additional images of Day 1, please click here

"Nevada boasts the largest-known lithium deposits in North America, positioning our state as a key player in both national and global supply chains. We have an historic opportunity in our backyard," said Governor Joe Lombardo. "The goal of the Lithium Summit is to foster collaboration across all sectors, paving the way for a robust economy and unlocking the full potential of our state's natural wealth."

The Lithium Summit emphasizes Nevada's unique position as the only state in the nation with a complete "Lithium Loop" from mining and processing to battery manufacturing and recycling.

"Nevada's lithium loop represents a full-secretum investment that strengthens U.S. supply chains and creates high-wage jobs," said GOED Director Tom Burns. "By uniting government, industry and higher education, we are advancing clean-energy innovation and long-term economic growth."

In addition to highlighting Nevada's global competitiveness in advanced energy supply chains, the Lithium Summit provides an opportunity for networking, investment discussions, and exploration of partnerships that will drive future innovation and economic development. A full list of panel speakers can be found here.

"The Nevada Battery Coalition is committed to strengthening our state's position as a leading battery center in North America," said Nevada Battery Collation CEO Caleb Cage. "We are grateful to Governor Joe Lombardo for his vision and leadership in convening this annual summit so leaders from across the industry can take action toward securing Nevada's energy and economic future. "

"The University of Nevada is proud to be an integral partner in the advancement of the critical minerals industry in Nevada. As a leader for more than 150 years in mining, metallurgy, geology and workforce development, we look forward to continuing our work to establish Nevada as a center of critical mineral extraction, processing and domestic supply chain development," said University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval. "We are appreciative of Governor Joe Lombardo for convening the Lithium and Strategic Minerals Forum for a second year, helping key players drive innovation, educate a future workforce and support economic development."

About the Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative:

The Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative (NSGI) is a dynamic 501(c)(6) organization designed to provide the Governor with a powerful, independent platform for economic development that operates outside the traditional structure of state government. This unique framework allows Nevada to facilitate high-impact business transactions, unlock transformative opportunities, and advance initiatives that go beyond the conventional reach of government programs. By bringing together a broad coalition of economic development groups, the Initiative creates a unified force capable of driving meaningful trade missions and fostering collaborative strategies to accelerate Nevada's economic growth.

About the Governor's Office of Economic Development:

Created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature, the Governor's Office of Economic Development is the result of a collaborative effort between the Nevada Legislature and the Governor's Office to restructure economic development in the state. GOED's role is to promote a robust, diversified and prosperous economy in Nevada, to stimulate business expansion and retention, encourage entrepreneurial enterprises, attract new businesses and facilitate community development. Learn more at: https://www.goed.nv.gov.

About the Nevada Battery Coalition:

Nevada is emerging as the leading lithium battery center in North America. Every stage of the energy storage supply chain, from exploration to recycling, is present and developing in our state, and it is poised to grow. The current investment in this industry has produced profoundly positive environmental, economic, and national security advantages, all of which are strengthened by uniting the industry through the Nevada Battery Coalition (NBC). The formation of the NBC was announced at the Nevada Clean Energy and Transportation Conference in Reno, Nevada, on February 2, 2023. Following the announcement, organizing members worked to define the purpose and activities, legal structure, and budget and governance structure of the new organization. These areas are detailed within this document.

About the University of Nevada, Reno:

Founded during Nevada's silver rush, the Mackay School at the University of Nevada, Reno pioneered the gold extraction technologies that fueled the American West -- and the University carries that spirit of innovation forward today in the field of critical minerals. From lithium and copper to rare earth elements, University researchers are developing cost-effective extraction and processing methods that support the nation's critical mineral strategy. Through initiatives such as the federally designated Nevada Tech Hub, the University is building an integrated supply chain that links exploration, processing and recycling while creating jobs and strengthening communities. University experts map resources, analyze markets and deliver scalable technologies, all while training the next generation of scientists and engineers who will secure America's mineral independence.

The University of Nevada, Reno is a public research university that is committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. As a Nevada land-grant university founded in 1874, the University serves 21,000 students. The University is a comprehensive, doctoral university, classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Additionally, it has attained the prestigious "Carnegie Engaged" classification, reflecting its student and institutional impact on civic engagement and service, fostered by extensive community and statewide collaborations. More than $800 million in advanced labs, residence halls and facilities has been invested on campus since 2009. It is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Wolf Pack Athletics, maintains a statewide outreach mission and presence through programs such as the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Small Business Development Center, Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Through a commitment to world-improving research, student success and outreach benefiting the communities and businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around the world. For more information, visit https://www.unr.edu

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