Since 2009, Lithium Americas has been working with Ausenco Vector Inc., a world leading engineering and environmental consulting firm specializing in mining and minerals processing, on an Environmental and Social Baseline Study (the “Baseline”).  The Baseline is now complete and has been presented to the Mining Judge of the Province of Jujuy, the Director of Mines and Energy Resources, the Director of Environmental Policies for Natural Resources and the Provincial Committee of Experts.  While presentation of the Baseline is not compulsory under Argentinean regulations, Lithium Americas has shared the Baseline with various government authorities and the aboriginal communities, because Lithium Americas believes that a transparent relationship with the provincial mining authorities and the local communities will make the EIS approvals process both easier and quicker.  The Company has already signed an agreement with the Director of Mines and Energy Resources and the Director of Environmental Policies for Natural Resources to use the Baseline in order to generate a long term management plan for the development and monitoring of the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium/potash project.

Submission of Environmental Impact Statement

Lithium Americas has completed and submitted its EIS for approval to the Director of Mines and Energy Resources for the Province of Jujuy.  The Company expects to complete its definitive Feasibility Study in the second quarter of 2012, and looks forward to working with the Committee of Experts, the Minister of Production, and the Secretary General of the Provincial Government over the coming months in order to obtain final government approval of the EIS in a timely manner.