I've been rereading LAC's most recent update and this part jumped out at me this time.

"Lithium Technical Development Center Collaboration with UNR

Working in collaboration with University of Nevada, Reno (“UNR”), the existing process testing facility will be relocated to a new facility in Reno and expanded to run the full Thacker Pass flowsheet to produce lithium carbonate samples. This Lithium Technical Development Center will also perform tests on other lithium deposits such as spodumene and brine. The integrated pilot plant is expected to be in operation in the first half of 2022 to support ongoing optimization work, confirm certain assumptions in the design and operational parameters and provide product samples for potential customers."

Is this a hint that they anticipate in the not too distant future developing hard rock and/or brine (hopefully DLE) projects in North America? Why else?