Tag Archives: Bechtel

Bechtel wins EPCM contract for Lithium Americas’ Thacker Pass project

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Lithium Americas says it has awarded the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract for the construction of the Thacker Pass lithium project, in Nevada, USA, to Bechtel.

Lithium Americas has all federal and state permits needed to commence construction at Thacker Pass, a project with the potential to produce 40,000 t/y of battery-quality lithium carbonate in its first phase. The company says it anticipates a ruling on the Thacker Pass Record of Decision appeal in early 2023 and looks forward to working with Bechtel to begin construction activities shortly thereafter.

Jonathan Evans, President & CEO of Lithium Americas, said: “Awarding the EPCM contract is a significant milestone in advancing Thacker Pass towards production. Bechtel is a globally recognised and respected engineering firm with deep understanding of value-driven project delivery. This key partnership is a big step forward towards enabling North American production of battery-quality lithium carbonate to help secure our nation’s clean energy future.”

Bechtel’s Mining & Metals President, Ailie MacAdam, said: “By partnering with our customers and collaborating with contractors, suppliers and local communities, we’re able to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges and I’m excited to have this opportunity that will enable the project to responsibly unlock the resources needed for the energy transition.”

Lithium Americas and Bechtel share a commitment towards a safer, cleaner, more equitable and prosperous future, by advancing towards increased energy security and advanced decarbonisation targets, the company says. By working closely together, Lithium Americas can leverage Bechtel’s world-class team, a suite of seamless execution systems, global logistics and innovative construction strategies, it says. Bechtel will be fully integrating into the owner’s team and will be responsible for engineering, procurement and execution planning services, along with overall project management.

Bechtel speeds up delivery of Alba’s Potline 6 Expansion in Bahrain

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Aluminium Bahrain BSC (Alba), the Bahrain-based aluminium producer, has successfully produced the first hot metal at its Potline 6 Expansion project.

Potline 6, which is being executed by Bechtel as the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contractor, will make Alba the world’s largest aluminium smelter once at full production, Bechtel says.

Adding 540,000 t/y to Alba’s existing 1 Mt/y capacity, this new 1.4 km potline involves the construction of 424 pots in line 6, using Emirates Global Aluminium’s proprietary DX+ Ultra technology.

Paige Wilson, President of Bechtel’s Mining & Metals Global Business Unit, said: “We are very proud of this achievement. The Alba Potline 6 project’s 24-month schedule from Notice to Proceed to first hot metal, or first aluminium, is six months faster than the industry standard.

“This is a world-class achievement for the Kingdom of Bahrain, Alba and Bechtel. This success was only made possible thanks to the very strong collaborative relationship Alba and Bechtel have formed.”

Bechtel was appointed by Alba as the EPCM contractor with the responsibility to design and construct Potline 6 and support industrial services in April 2016 and received NTP in January 2017.

Potline 6 builds on a relationship between Alba and Bechtel that spans more than 25 years. Bechtel also previously served as EPCM contractor for the Line 4 and 5 expansions.