Canadian miner Lithium Americas said on Wednesday General Motors will contribute $625 million to their new joint venture for developing the Thacker Pass project in Nevada. U.S. automakers are ramping up their output of EVs and hybrids and aiming to reduce their reliance on China for battery-related materials in a competitive market.

Canada’s Lithium Americas said General Motors will boost investment in the miner’s Thacker Pass project, which produces the critical ingredient for electric-vehicle batteries.

Lithium Americas surges as it announces new joint venture with General Motors for Thacker Pass construction, replacing previous equity commitment.