Document:

EX-4.2

 Exhibit 4.2 
  

 
  
  

LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

DECEMBER 31, 2016 

(Expressed in US Dollars) 
  

 

 

 
 March 28, 2017 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

To the Shareholders of Lithium Americas Corp. 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Lithium Americas Corp., which comprise the consolidated statements of
financial position as at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015 and the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss)/income, changes in equity and cash flows for the fifteen month period ended December 31, 2016 and year ended
September 30, 2015, and the related notes, which comprise a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. 

Management’s responsibility for the consolidated financial statements 

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

Auditor’s responsibility 

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in
accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are
free from material misstatement. 
 An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the
consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those
risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management,
as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. 
 We believe that the audit evidence we have
obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. 
  

	
	  

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 PricewaterhouseCoopers Place, 250 Howe Street, Suite 1400, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 3S7

 T: +1 604 806 7000, F: +1 604 806 7806 

“PwC” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. 

 

 
 Opinion 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Lithium Americas
Corp. as at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015 and its financial performance and its cash flows for the fifteen month period ended December 31, 2016 and year ended September 30, 2015 in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards. 
 (signed) “PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP” 

Chartered Professional Accountants 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars) 
  

									
	  
	 
	 	  	December 31,	 	 	September 30,	 
	 	  	2016	 	 	2015	 
	 	  	$	 	 	$	 
	  
	 
	 CURRENT ASSETS
	  				 			
	 Cash and cash equivalents
	  	 	8,056	 	 	 	5,552	 
	 Escrow deposit (Note 4)
	  	 	833	 	 	 	—  	 
	 Receivables, prepaids and deposits
	  	 	979	 	 	 	1,077	 
	 Inventories
	  	 	531	 	 	 	426	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
		  	 	10,399	 	 	 	7,055	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 NON-CURRENT ASSETS
	  				 			
	 Restricted cash
	  	 	150	 	 	 	150	 
	 Escrow deposit (Note 4)
	  	 	1,667	 	 	 	—  	 
	 Property, plant and equipment (Note 5)
	  	 	18,502	 	 	 	18,713	 
	 Exploration and evaluation assets (Note 6)
	  	 	1,447	 	 	 	42,623	 
	 Investment in Joint Venture (Note 4)
	  	 	13,136	 	 	 	—  	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
		  	 	34,902	 	 	 	61,486	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 TOTAL ASSETS
	  	 	45,301	 	 	 	68,541	 
	  
	 
	 CURRENT LIABILITIES
	  				 			
	 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
	  	 	1,637	 	 	 	3,285	 
	 Convertible security (Note 8)
	  	 	—  	 	 	 	2,772	 
	 Current portion of long-term borrowing (Note 7)
	  	 	125	 	 	 	117	 
	 Obligation under finance leases
	  	 	44	 	 	 	41	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
		  	 	1,806	 	 	 	6,215	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
	  				 			
	 Long-term borrowing (Note 7)
	  	 	833	 	 	 	988	 
	 Obligation under finance leases
	  	 	69	 	 	 	123	 
	 Decommissioning provision
	  	 	170	 	 	 	300	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
		  	 	1,072	 	 	 	1,411	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 TOTAL LIABILITIES
	  	 	2,878	 	 	 	7,626	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	  				 			
	 Share capital
	  	 	108,670	 	 	 	99,318	 
	 Contributed surplus
	  	 	11,948	 	 	 	10,847	 
	 Accumulated other comprehensive loss
	  	 	(2,124	) 	 	 	(903	) 
	 Deficit
	  	 	(76,071	) 	 	 	(48,347	) 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	  	 	42,423	 	 	 	60,915	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
	  	 	45,301	 	 	 	68,541	 
	  
	 

 Change in year-end (Note 1) 

Approved for issuance on March 27, 2017 
 On
behalf of the Board of Directors: 
                 “Lenard
F. Boggio”                     Director
                 “George Ireland”                 Director 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

					
	  

									
	 	  	Fifteen months ended	 	 	Twelve months ended	 
	 	  	December 31,	 	 	September 30,	 
	 	  	2016	 	 	2015	 
	 	  	$	 	 	$	 
	  
	 
	 ORGANOCLAY SALES
	  	 	1,154	 	 	 	—  	 
	 COST OF SALES
	  				 			
	 Production costs
	  	 	(1,497	) 	 	 	—  	 
	 Inventories write down
	  	 	(648	) 	 	 	—  	 
	 Depreciation
	  	 	(476	) 	 	 	—  	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 Total cost of sales
	  	 	(2,621	) 	 	 	—  	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 GROSS LOSS
	  	 	(1,467	) 	 	 	—  	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 EXPENSES
	  				 			
	 Exploration expenditures (Note 13)
	  	 	(3,448	) 	 	 	(2,087	) 
	 Organoclay research and development
	  	 	(536	) 	 	 	(434	) 
	 General and administrative (Note 11)
	  	 	(6,448	) 	 	 	(3,515	) 
	 Share of loss in Joint Venture
	  	 	(3,987	) 	 	 	—  	 
	 Stock-based compensation (Note 9)
	  	 	(3,193	) 	 	 	(567	) 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
		  	 	(17,612	) 	 	 	(6,603	) 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 OTHER ITEMS
	  				 			
	 Foreign exchange gain/(loss)
	  	 	351	 	 	 	(284	) 
	 Convertible security accretion (Note 8)
	  	 	(806	) 	 	 	(748	) 
	 Loss on sale of 50% interest in Minera Exar (Note 4)
	  	 	(9,015	) 	 	 	—  	 
	 Other income (Note 12)
	  	 	825	 	 	 	80	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
		  	 	(8,645	) 	 	 	(952	) 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 NET LOSS
	  	 	(27,724	) 	 	 	(7,555	) 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	  				 			
	 ITEMS THAT MAY BE RECLASSIFIED SUBSEQUENTLY TO NET LOSS
	  				 			
	 Reclassification of cumulative translation adjustment on sale of 50% interest in Minera Exar (Note
4)
	  	 	15,098	 	 	 	—  	 
	 Unrealized loss on translation to reporting currency
	  	 	(16,319	) 	 	 	(566	) 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
		  	 	(1,221	) 	 	 	(566	) 
	 TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	  	 	(28,945	) 	 	 	(8,121	) 
	  
	 
	 LOSS PER SHARE - BASIC AND DILUTED
	  	 	(0.09	) 	 	 	(0.06	) 
	  
	 
	 WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC AND DILUTED
	  	 	291,801	 	 	 	133,168	 
	  
	 

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars and shares in thousands) 
  

																									
	  
	 
	 	  	Share capital	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	  	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	Accumulated	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	  	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	other	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	  	 	 	  	 	 	 	Contributed	 	 	comprehensive	 	 	 	 	 	Shareholders’	 
	 	  	Number	 	  	Amount	 	 	surplus	 	 	loss	 	 	Deficit	 	 	equity	 
	 	  	of Shares	 	  	$	 	 	$	 	 	$	 	 	$	 	 	$	 
	  
	 
	 Authorized share capital:
Unlimited common shares without par value
	  				  				 				 				 				 			
	  
	 
	 Balance, September 30, 2015
	  	 	266,485	 	  	 	99,318	 	 	 	10,847	 	 	 	(903	) 	 	 	(48,347	) 	 	 	60,915	 
	 Shares issued on exercise of stock options (Note 9)
	  	 	6,133	 	  	 	2,106	 	 	 	(1,300	) 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	806	 
	 Shares issued on exercise of warrants (Note 9)
	  	 	2,034	 	  	 	1,256	 	 	 	(107	) 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	1,149	 
	 Shares issued on conversion of restricted shares (Note 9)
	  	 	1,913	 	  	 	757	 	 	 	(707	) 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	50	 
	 Deferred salaries and directors fees (Note 9)
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	 	 	22	 	 				 				 	 	22	 
	 Shares issued for equity financing (Note 9)
	  	 	17,263	 	  	 	3,500	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	3,500	 
	 Share issuance costs (Note 9)
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	(191	) 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	(191	) 
	 Shares issued for convertible security (Note 8)
	  	 	8,038	 	  	 	1,924	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	1,924	 
	 Stock-based compensation
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	 	 	3,193	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	3,193	 
	 Net loss
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	(27,724	) 	 	 	(27,724	) 
	 Other comprehensive loss
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	(1,221	) 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	(1,221	) 
	  
	 
	 Balance, December 31, 2016
	  	 	301,866	 	  	 	108,670	 	 	 	11,948	 	 	 	(2,124	) 	 	 	(76,071	) 	 	 	42,423	 
	  
	 
	 Balance, September 30, 2014
	  	 	119,235	 	  	 	53,036	 	 	 	9,176	 	 	 	(337	) 	 	 	(40,792	) 	 	 	21,083	 
	 Shares issued on exercise of stock options (Note 9)
	  	 	980	 	  	 	347	 	 	 	(145	) 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	202	 
	 Shares issued on exercise of warrants (Note 9)
	  	 	148	 	  	 	98	 	 	 	(12	) 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	86	 
	 Shares issued for equity financing (Note 9)
	  	 	14,437	 	  	 	7,987	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	7,987	 
	 Share issuance cost
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	(950	) 	 	 	119	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	(831	) 
	 Shares, replacement options and warrants issued to acquire net assets of Lithium Americas Corp.
(Note 9)
	  	 	130,847	 	  	 	38,447	 	 	 	906	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	39,353	 
	 Warrants issued for convertible security
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	 	 	236	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	236	 
	 Shares issued for convertible security exercise (Note 8)
	  	 	838	 	  	 	353	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	353	 
	 Stock-based compensation
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	 	 	567	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	567	 
	 Net loss
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	(7,555	) 	 	 	(7,555	) 
	 Other comprehensive loss
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	(566	) 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	(566	) 
	  
	 
	 Balance, September 30, 2015
	  	 	266,485	 	  	 	99,318	 	 	 	10,847	 	 	 	(903	) 	 	 	(48,347	) 	 	 	60,915	 
	  
	 

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars) 
  

									
	  
	 
	 	  	For the fifteen months	 	 	For the twelve months	 
	 	  	ended December 31,	 	 	ended September 30,	 
	 	  	2016	 	 	2015	 
	 	  	$	 	 	$	 
	  
	 
	 OPERATING ACTIVITIES
	  				 			
	 Net loss for the period
	  	 	(27,724	) 	 	 	(7,555	) 
	 Items not affecting cash:
	  				 			
	 Stock-based compensation
	  	 	3,193	 	 	 	567	 
	 Depreciation
	  	 	894	 	 	 	151	 
	 Foreign exchange (gain)/loss
	  	 	(351	) 	 	 	284	 
	 Share of loss in Joint Venture
	  	 	3,987	 	 	 	—  	 
	 Convertible security accretion
	  	 	806	 	 	 	748	 
	 Loss on sale of 50% interest in Minera Exar
	  	 	8,374	 	 	 	—  	 
	 Inventories write down
	  	 	648	 	 	 	—  	 
	 Other income
	  	 	(627	) 	 	 	(51	) 
	 Changes in non-cash working capital items:
	  				 			
	 Decrease in receivables, prepaids and deposits
	  	 	40	 	 	 	18	 
	 Decrease/(increase) in inventories
	  	 	88	 	 	 	(382	) 
	 Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
	  	 	(640	) 	 	 	(493	) 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 Net cash used in operating activities
	  	 	(11,312	) 	 	 	(6,713	) 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 INVESTING ACTIVITIES
	  				 			
	 Additions to exploration and evaluation assets (Note 6 and 15)
	  	 	(991	) 	 	 	(502	) 
	 Cash received from Joint Venture, net
	  	 	14,661	 	 	 	—  	 
	 Escrow deposit
	  	 	(2,500	) 	 	 	—  	 
	 Cash acquired from plan of arrangement
	  	 	—  	 	 	 	66	 
	 Additions to property, plant and equipment (Note 5)
	  	 	(640	) 	 	 	(3,858	) 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 Net cash provided by/(used) in investing activities
	  	 	10,530	 	 	 	(4,294	) 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 FINANCING ACTIVITIES
	  				 			
	 Proceeds from stock options exercises
	  	 	806	 	 	 	202	 
	 Proceeds from warrants exercises
	  	 	1,149	 	 	 	86	 
	 (Repayment of)/net proceeds from convertible security funding
	  	 	(1,653	) 	 	 	2,613	 
	 Net proceeds from equity financing (Note 9)
	  	 	3,482	 	 	 	5,827	 
	 Proceed from subscription receipts
	  	 	—  	 	 	 	1,404	 
	 Finance lease repayments
	  	 	(52	) 	 	 	(36	) 
	 Repayment of long-term borrowing
	  	 	(147	) 	 	 	(111	) 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 Net cash provided by financing activities
	  	 	3,585	 	 	 	9,985	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 EFFECT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE ON CASH
	  	 	(299	) 	 	 	(586	) 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
	  	 	2,504	 	 	 	(1,608	) 
	 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF PERIOD
	  	 	5,552	 	 	 	7,160	 
		  	  
	  
	 	 	  
	  
	 
	 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF PERIOD
	  	 	8,056	 	 	 	5,552	 
	  
	 

 Supplemental disclosure with respect to cash flows (Note 15) 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	1.	 NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGE IN YEAR-END

 Effective March 22, 2016, Western Lithium USA Corp. changed its corporate name to Lithium
Americas Corp. (“Lithium Americas” or the “Company”). Lithium Americas is a Canadian based resource company focused on advancing two significant lithium projects, the Cauchari-Olaroz project, located in Jujuy province of
Argentina, and the Lithium Nevada project (formerly the Kings Valley project), located in north-western Nevada, USA, and on the manufacturing and sales of organoclay products. 

On March 28, 2016, the Company signed an agreement with SQM POTASIO S.A. (“SQM”) to form a 50/50 joint venture
(the “Joint Venture”) on the Cauchari-Olaroz project (Note 4). 
 The Company’s organoclay plant located in
Fernley, Nevada, USA manufactures specialty organoclay products, derived from clays, for sale to the oil and gas and other sectors. 

The Company’s head office, principal address, and registered and records office is Suite
1100-355 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 2G8. 
 To date,
the Company has not generated significant revenues from operations and has relied on equity and other financings to fund operations. The underlying value of exploration and evaluation assets is entirely dependent on the existence of economically
recoverable reserves, securing and maintaining title and beneficial interest in the properties, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to complete permitting, development, and to attain future profitable operations. 

The Company has changed its fiscal year end from September 30 to December 31, effective 2016, so the transitional
fiscal year end is for the fifteen-month period from October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016. The Company changed its year end in order to align it with the Joint Venture for reporting and planning purposes as well as to bring its financial
reporting timetable in line with the other companies in the industry. 
  

	2.	 BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards
(“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). These consolidated financial statements were approved for issuance by the Board of Directors on March 27, 2017. 

These consolidated financial statements are expressed in US dollars, the Company’s presentation currency, and have been
prepared on a historical cost basis. In addition, these consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting, except for cash flow information. The accounting policies set out in Note 3 have been applied
consistently to all years presented in these consolidated financial statements as if the polices have always been in effect. 
  

	3.	 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

Accounting standards and amendments issued but not yet adopted 

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”), addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial
assets and financial liabilities. The complete version of IFRS 9 was issued in July 2014. It replaces the guidance in International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 39 that relates to the classification and measurement of financial instruments.

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	3.	 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

Accounting standards and amendments issued but not yet adopted (continued) 

IFRS 9 retains but simplifies the mixed measurement model and establishes three primary measurement categories for financial
assets: amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and fair value through profit and loss (“FVTPL”). There is now a new expected credit losses model that replaces the incurred loss impairment model used
in IAS 39. 
 For financial liabilities there were no changes to classification and measurement except for the recognition of
changes in own credit risk in OCI, for liabilities designated as FVTPL. The standard is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is assessing the impact of IFRS 9. 

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”), deals with revenue recognition and establishes principles
for reporting useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers. IFRS 15 was issued in May 2014 by the IASB. Under IFRS 15,
revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of a good or service and thus has the ability to direct the use and obtain the benefits from the good or service. The standard replaces IAS 18, Revenue, and IAS 11, Construction Contracts, and
related interpretations. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. While the Company is continuing to assess the impact of IFRS 15, the Company does not anticipate any
significant changes in the gross amounts of revenue recognized or in the timing of revenue recognition under the new standard. 

IFRS 16, Leases (“IFRS 16”), was issued in January 2016 by the IASB. According to the new standard, all leases will
be on the statement of financial position of lessees, except those that meet the limited exception criteria. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. The Company has yet to assess the full impact of
IFRS 16. 
 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements 

The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires judgments, estimates, and assumptions that
affect the amounts reported. Those estimates and assumptions concerning the future may differ from actual results. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of
future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 
 Critical accounting judgments pertain to
accounting policies that have been identified as being complex or involving subjective judgments or assessments, as follows: 

The first test shipment of organoclay products from the Company’s plant in Fernley, Nevada was in January 2015.
Construction, commissioning and testing continued to March 2016. When a project nears the end of construction, management has to exercise judgment to determine the date in which the asset was in the location and condition necessary to operate as
intended by management. The identification of this date is important since it establishes the point in time at which costs cease to be capitalized unless they provide an enhancement to the economic benefits of the asset, processing costs begin to
stabilize, the capitalization of pre-start-up revenue ceases and depreciation of the asset commences. Management determined that the plant was completed and ready for
use on April 1, 2016, accordingly, revenues and costs of sales were recorded commencing April 1, 2016. Prior to April 1, 2016, sales of organoclay products amounted to $688 and were accounted for as a reduction of the capitalized
costs of organoclay plant property, plant and equipment. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	3.	 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

Foreign Currency Translation 

Functional and Presentation Currency 

Items included in the financial statements of each of the group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary
economic environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are presented in US dollars. 

Transactions and Balances 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of
the transaction. Foreign currency monetary items are translated at the period-end exchange rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost continue to be carried at
the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. 
 Exchange differences arising on the translation of monetary items or on
settlement of monetary items are recognized in profit or loss in the statement of comprehensive (loss)/income in the period in which they arise. 

Exchange differences arising on the translation of non-monetary items are recognized in
other comprehensive income/(loss) in the statement of comprehensive (loss)/income to the extent that gains and losses arising on those non-monetary items are also recognized in other comprehensive
income/(loss). Where the non-monetary gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss, the exchange component is also recognized in profit or loss. 

Parent and Subsidiary Companies 

The financial results and position of operations whose functional currency is different from the presentation currency are
translated as follows: 
  

	 	•	 	 assets and liabilities are translated at period-end exchange rates
prevailing at that reporting date; and 

  

	 	•	 	 income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate during the transaction period.

 Exchange differences are transferred directly to the statement of comprehensive (loss)/income and are
reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity titled “Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)”. These differences are recognized in the profit or loss in the period in which the operation is disposed of. 

Provisions 

Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present obligation, legal or constructive, as a result of a past event, it is
probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. 

If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows
at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due
to the passage of time is recognized as a finance cost. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	3.	 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

Principles of Consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements contained herein include the accounts of Lithium Americas Corp. and its wholly-owned USA
subsidiaries Lithium Nevada Corp. (formerly Western Lithium Corporation), KV Project LLC, and RheoMinerals Inc. (formerly Hectatone Inc.), and Canadian wholly-owned subsidiary 2265866 Ontario Inc. All inter-company transactions and balances have
been eliminated. 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash held with banks and highly liquid short-term investments in high interest saving
accounts which can be withdrawn at any time, which is subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. 
 Exploration and
Evaluation Assets 
 Exploration expenditures not including the acquisition costs and claim maintenance costs are
expensed as incurred until an economic feasibility study has established the presence of proven and probable reserves and development of the project has commenced, at which time exploration and development expenditures incurred on the property
thereafter are capitalized. 
 Costs incurred relating to the acquisition and claim maintenance of mineral properties,
including option payments and annual fees to maintain the property in good standing, are capitalized and deferred by property until the project to which they relate is sold, abandoned, impaired or placed into production. After recognition, the
Company uses the cost model for exploration and evaluation assets. 
 The Company assesses its capitalized mineral property
costs for indications of impairment on each balance sheet date and when events and circumstances indicate a risk of impairment. A property is written down or written off when the Company determines that an impairment of value has occurred or when
exploration results indicate that no further work is warranted. 
 Although the Company has taken steps to verify title to
mineral properties in which it has an interest, these procedures do not guarantee the Company’s title. Such properties may be subject to prior agreements or transfers, or title may be affected by undetected defects. 

Property, Plant and Equipment 

On initial recognition, property, plant and equipment are valued at cost. Cost includes the purchase price and directly
attributable cost of acquisition or construction required to bring the asset to the location and condition necessary to be capable of operating in the manner intended by the Company, including appropriate borrowing costs. During the development and
commissioning phase, pre-production expenditures, net of incidental proceeds from sales during this period, are capitalized to the asset under construction and equipment. Capitalization of costs incurred
ceases when commercial production commences in the manner intended by management. The Company applies judgment in its assessment of when the asset is capable of operating in the manner intended by management. 

Property, plant and equipment are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation, less any accumulated impairment
losses, with the exception of land which is not depreciated. When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items or major components. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	3.	 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)  

Property, Plant and Equipment (continued) 

Property, plant and equipment that are currently in use are depreciated as follows: 

 

	 	•	 	 Organoclay plant – straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 20 years; 

 

	 	•	 	 Buildings – straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 20 years; 

 

	 	•	 	 Organoclay plant equipment included in “Equipment and machinery” – straight line basis over the
estimated life of 5-20 years; 

  

	 	•	 	 Lithium demo plant equipment included in “Equipment and machinery” – straight-line basis over
the estimated useful life of 10 years; 

  

	 	•	 	 Office equipment included in “Other” – declining balance method at 20% annual rate; and

  

	 	•	 	 Other equipment included in “Other” – straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 7-15 years. 

 The assets’ residual values, useful lives and
depreciation methods are reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate, at each financial year-end. The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the difference
between the sale proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognized in profit and loss. 
 Impairment of Property, Plant
and Equipment 
 Property, plant and equipment are assessed for impairment indicators at each reporting date or when
an impairment indicator arises if not at a reporting date. Impairment indicators are evaluated and, if considered necessary, an impairment assessment is carried out. If an impairment loss is identified, it is recognized for the amount by which the
asset’s carrying amount exceeds it recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less cost to sell and value in use. Fair value is determined as the amount that would be obtained from the sale of the
asset in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable and willing parties. 
 In assessing value in use, the
estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For the
purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units). These are typically individual mines, plants or development projects. 

Where the factors which resulted in an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or
cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but to an amount that does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset (or cash-generating
unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized immediately in profit or loss. 
 Leased Assets 

Finance leases, which transfer to the Company substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the leased item, are
capitalized at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding lease commitment is shown as a liability. Lease payments are apportioned between
capital and interest. Interest charges are capitalized to asset under construction during the development and commissioning phase. The capital element reduces the balance owed to the lessor. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	3.	 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

Inventories 

Organoclay products, in-process and stockpile inventories are recorded at the lower of
average cost and net realizable value. The cost of finished goods and work-in-progress is determined by the weighted average cost method comprises raw materials, direct
labour, and other direct costs, as well as related production overheads including applicable depreciation on property, plant and equipment. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price less applicable selling expenses. When inventories have
been written down to net realizable value, a new assessment of net realizable value is made in each subsequent period. When the circumstances that caused the write down no longer exist, the amount of the write down is reversed. Materials and
supplies inventories are valued at the lower of average cost and net realizable value. Cost includes acquisition, freight and other directly attributable costs. 

Investments in Joint Arrangements 

A joint arrangement is a contractual arrangement whereby two or more parties undertake an economic activity that is subject to
joint control. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control such that significant operating and financial decisions require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. The Company’s arrangement with respect to
Cauchari-Olaroz project is classified as a joint venture and is accounted for using the equity method. The equity method involves recording the initial investment at cost. When a joint venture is formed from a previous investment in a subsidiary,
the Company made a policy choice decision to recognize a gain or loss on change of control in relation to the portion of the investment no longer owned based upon the carrying value of the assets. Additional funding into an investee is recorded as
an increase in the carrying value of the investment. The carrying amount is adjusted by the Company’s share of a joint venture’s net income or loss, depreciation, amortization or impairment. When the Company’s share of losses of a
joint venture exceeds the Company’s carrying value of the investment, the Company discontinues recognizing its share of further losses. Additional losses are recognized only to the extent that the Company has incurred legal or constructive
obligations or made payments on behalf of the joint venture. 
 Financial Instruments 

Financial assets and liabilities are recognized when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the
instrument. Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the assets have expired or have been transferred and the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. 

All of the Company’s financial instruments are classified into one of the following categories: loans and receivables,
other financial liabilities or embedded derivatives separated from other financial liabilities. All financial instruments are measured in the statement of financial position at fair value initially. Loans and receivables and other financial
liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost. 
 The Company does not use derivative instruments or hedges to
manage risks. 
 Cash and cash equivalents and receivables have been classified as loans and receivables and are included in
current assets due to their short-term nature. The Company’s other financial liabilities include accounts payable and accrued liabilities, long-term borrowing, convertible security, and obligation under finance leases. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	3.	 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

Borrowing Costs 

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of assets requiring a substantial period
of time to get ready for their intended use or sale are capitalized as part of the cost of that asset. 
 Provisions for Close Down
and Restoration and for Environmental Cleanup Costs 
 Close down and restoration costs include dismantling and
demolition of infrastructure and the removal of residual materials and remediation of disturbed areas. Estimated close down and restoration costs are provided for in the accounting period when the obligation arising from the related disturbance
occurs, based on the net present value of estimated future costs. The cost estimates are updated during the life of the operation to reflect known development, such as revisions to cost estimates and to the estimated lives of the operations, and are
subject to formal reviews at regular intervals. The initial closure provision together with changes resulting from changes in estimated cash flows or discount rates are capitalized within capital assets. These costs are then depreciated over the
lives of the asset to which they relate, typically using the units of production method. The amortization or unwinding of the discount applied in establishing the net present value of provisions is charged to the statement of comprehensive
(loss)/income as a financing cost. Provision is made for the estimated present value of the costs of environmental cleanup obligations outstanding at the statement of financial position date. 

Income Taxes 

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that it
relates to items recognized directly in equity. Current tax expense is the expected tax payable on taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at period-end, adjusted for
amendments to tax payable with regards to previous years. 
 Deferred tax is recorded using the liability method, providing
for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Temporary differences are not provided for the initial recognition of assets or liabilities
that affect neither accounting or taxable loss, nor differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner
of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date. 

A deferred tax asset is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against
which the asset can be utilized. To the extent that the Company does not consider it probable that a deferred tax asset will be recovered, the deferred tax asset is not recorded. 

Share Capital 

Common shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of shares are recognized as a
deduction from equity. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	3.	 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

Earnings/(Loss) per Share 

Basic earnings/(loss) per share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to shareholders of the Company by the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The diluted loss per share calculation is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, plus the effects of dilutive common share
equivalents. This method requires that the dilutive effect of outstanding options and warrants issued should be calculated using the treasury stock method. This method assumes that all common share equivalents have been exercised at the beginning of
the period (or at the time of issuance, if later), and that the funds obtained thereby were used to purchase common shares of the Company at the average trading price of the common shares during the period, but only if dilutive. 

Stock-Based Compensation 

The Company grants stock options to buy common shares of the Company to directors, officers, employees and service providers.
The fair value of stock options granted by the Company is treated as compensation costs in accordance with IFRS 2, Share-based Payment. These costs are charged to the statement of comprehensive (loss)/income over the stock option vesting
period. 
 Each tranche in an award is considered a separate award with its own vesting period and grant date fair value.
Fair value of each tranche is measured at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation expense is recognized over the tranche’s vesting period based on the number of awards expected to vest, by increasing
contributed surplus. The number of awards expected to vest is reviewed at least annually with any impact being recognized immediately. Where equity instruments are granted to non-employees, they are recorded
at the fair value of the goods or services received in the statement of comprehensive (loss)/income, unless they are related to the issuance of shares. Amounts related to the issuance of shares are recorded as a reduction of share capital. When the
value of goods or services received in exchange for the share-based payment cannot be reliably estimated, the fair value is measured by use of a valuation model. 

Share-based payments 

During the fifteen-month period ended December 31, 2016, the Company implemented a new equity incentive plan that allows
the grant of restricted shares and deferred share units. The cost of equity-settled payment arrangements is recorded based on the estimated fair value at the grant date and charged to earning over the vesting period. 

Organoclay Product Development 

Expenditure on research activities related to the obtaining of new scientific or technical knowledge is expensed as incurred.
Expenditure on development activities, whereby the research results or other knowledge is applied to accomplish new or improved products or processes, is recognized as an intangible asset in the statement of financial position, provided the product
or process is technically and commercially feasible and the Company has sufficient resources to complete development, and is subsequently able to use or sell the intangible asset. The carrying amount includes the directly attributable expenditure,
such as the cost of materials and services, costs of employee benefits, fees to register intellectual property rights and amortization of patents and licenses. In the statement of financial position, product development will be stated at cost less
accumulated amortization and any impairment losses. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	3.	 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 

Valuation of Equity Units Issued in Private Placements 

The Company has adopted a residual value method with respect to the measurement of shares and warrants issued as private
placement units. The residual value method first allocates value to the more easily measurable component based on fair value and then the residual value to the less easily measurable component. The fair value of the common shares issued in the
private placements was determined to be the more easily measurable component, and they were valued at their fair value, as determined by the closing quoted bid price. The balance, if any, was allocated to the attached warrants. The value attributed
to the warrants is recorded as contributed surplus. If the warrants are exercised, the value attributed to the warrants is transferred to share capital. 

Revenue 

Organoclay products revenue is recognized when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company, risks and
rewards of ownership are transferred to the customer, delivery has occurred, the sales price is reasonably determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. These criteria are generally met at the time the product is shipped and delivered to
the customer and, depending on the delivery conditions, title and risk have passed to the customer and acceptance of the product, when contractually required, has been obtained. Revenue is measured based on the price specified in the sales contract,
net of discounts, at the time of sale. 
  

	4.	 INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE 

On March 28, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with SQM to form a 50/50 Joint Venture on the Cauchari-Olaroz
project in Jujuy, Argentina. SQM contributed $25,000 to Minera Exar S.A. (“Minera Exar”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Lithium Americas, in exchange for a 50% equity interest in Minera Exar. Following receipt of the contribution, Minera
Exar repaid loans and advances from Lithium Americas in the amount of $15,000. The remaining $10,000 was for use by the Joint Venture to fund certain project development costs. 

The Joint Venture is governed by a Shareholders Agreement which provides for (i) equal representation by the Company and
SQM on its Management Committee, (ii) unanimous approval by the Company and SQM on budgets and timing of expenditures, (iii) the ability of the Company to take its share of any production in kind and (iv) buyout and termination
provisions in the event that SQM chooses not to proceed with the project. 
 The Company recorded a $9,015 loss on sale of
its 50% equity interest in Minera Exar as follows: 
  

					
	  
	 
	 SQM contribution for 50% equity interest in Minera Exar
	  	$	25,000	 
	 SQM’s 50% contribution for Joint Venture project development
	  	 	(5,000	) 
	 Minera Exar’s 50% of net assets at the time of disposition
	  	 	(13,276	) 
	 Transaction costs
	  	 	(641	) 
	 Cumulative foreign exchange amount
	  	 	(15,098	) 
	  
	 
	 Loss on sale of 50% interest in Minera Exar
	  	$	(9,015	) 
	  
	 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	4.	 INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE (continued) 

SQM and the Company also entered into an Escrow Agreement requiring the Company to deposit $2,500 of the $15,000 contribution
(the “Escrow Amount”) into an escrow account. Subject to certain provisions, the Escrow Amount will be released to the Company over three years as follows: $833 on March 28, 2017, $833 on March 28, 2018, and $833 on
March 28, 2019. The Escrow Amount can be used to pay certain contingent liabilities of Minera Exar, if any arise, related to the actions prior to the Joint Venture formation. The Company has also provided a guarantee for up to $354 in
transaction related costs in the event that such costs arise in the future. 
 The changes in investment in the Joint Venture
since initial contribution are as follows: 
  

					
	  
	 
	 	  	For the fifteen months ended	 
	 	  	December 31, 2016	 
	  
	 
	 Initial contribution to Joint Venture – March 28, 2016
	  	 	$	 
	 50% of net asset value of Minera Exar
	  	 	13,276	 
	 50% of contribution for Joint Venture project development
	  	 	5,000	 
	  
	 
	 Total initial contribution
	  	 	18,276	 
	  
	 
	 Share of loss of Joint Venture
	  	 	(3,987	) 
	 Translation adjustment
	  	 	(1,153	) 
	  
	 
	 Investment in Joint Venture – December 31, 2016
	  	 	13,136	 
	  
	 

 The following amounts represent the amounts presented in the financial statements of Minera
Exar. They have been amended to reflect adjustments made by Lithium Americas using the equity method and modifications for differences in accounting policies. 
  

					
	  
	 
	 	  	December 31, 2016	 
	 	  	$	 
	  
	 
	 Current assets
	  			
	 Cash and cash equivalents
	  	 	3,119	 
	 Other current assets
	  	 	1,281	 
	  
	 
	 Total current assets
	  	 	4,400	 
	 Non-current assets
	  	 	28,261	 
	 Current liabilities
	  	 	(6,268	) 
	 Non-current liabilities
	  	 	(121	) 
	  
	 
	 Net assets
	  	 	26,272	 
	  
	 
		  			
	  
	 
	Summarized statement of loss from operations	  	For the period March 28-
December 31, 2016	 
	 	  	$	 
	  
	 
	 Interest income
	  	 	(14	) 
	 Other income
	  	 	(94	) 
	 Depreciation
	  	 	24	 
	 Exploration expenditures
	  	 	8,060	 
	  
	 
	 Loss from continuing operations
	  	 	7,976	 
	  
	 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	4.	 INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE (continued) 

Joint Venture Commitments and Contingencies 

As at December 31, 2016, the Company’s 50% portion of the Joint Venture’s commitments and contingencies are as
follows: 
  

	 	•	 	 Annual royalty of $100 due in May of every year and expiring in 2041; 

 

	 	•	 	 Aboriginal programs agreements with six communities located in the Cauchari-Olaroz project area have terms
from five to thirty years. The annual fees due are $269 between 2017 and 2021 and $2,308 between 2021 and 2055, assuming that these payments will be extended for the life of the project. These payments will be incurred only if the Joint Venture
starts production. 

 In calendar 2014, a legal claim for $340 was initiated against Minera Exar, related
to the fulfillment of contract and damages associated with an exploration contract with the option to acquire mining rights on a lime deposit in Argentina. This lime deposit is unrelated to Minera Exar’s principal lithium properties. Management
is currently consulting with legal counsel to determine the validity and assessment of the claim. A $340 lien was applied on certain bank accounts of Minera Exar related to this matter. The lien was subsequently removed and replaced with an
insurance policy. 
 Los Boros Option Agreement 

On March 28, 2016, the Joint Venture entered into a purchase option agreement (“Option Agreement”) with Grupo
Minero Los Boros (“Los Boros”) for the transfer of title to the Joint Venture for certain mining properties that comprised a portion of the Cauchari-Olaroz project. Under the terms of the Option Agreement, the Joint Venture paid $100 (the
Company’s portion was $50) upon signing and has a right to exercise the purchase option at any time within 30 months for the total consideration of $12,000 (the Company’s portion is $6,000) to be paid in sixty quarterly instalments of $200
(the Company’s portion is $100). The first installment becomes due upon occurrence of one of the following two conditions, whichever comes first: third year of the purchase option exercise date or the beginning of commercial exploitation with a
minimum production of 20,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent. As a security for the transfer of title for the mining properties under the Option Agreement, Los Boros granted to the Joint Venture a mortgage for $12,000. 

If the Joint Venture exercises the purchase option, the following royalties will have to be paid to Los Boros: 

 

	 	•	 	 $300 (the Company’s portion is $150) within 10 days of the commercial plant construction start date; and

  

	 	•	 	 3% net profit interest (the Company’s portion is 1.5%) for 40 years, payable in pesos, annually within
the 10 business days after calendar year end. 

 The Joint Venture can cancel the first 20 years of net
profit interest in exchange for a one-time payment of $7,000 (the Company’s portion is $3,500) and the next 20 years for additional $7,000 (the Company’s portion is $3,500). 

JEMSE Arrangement 

The Joint Venture has granted a right to Jujuy Energia y Mineria Sociedad del Estado (“JEMSE”), a mining investment
company owned by the government of Jujuy Province in Argentina, to acquire an 8.5% equity interest in Minera Exar for one US dollar and provide management services as required to develop the project. JEMSE will only acquire this equity position upon
completion of the project financing. JEMSE will be required to cover its pro rata share of the financing requirements for the construction of the project. These funds will be loaned to JEMSE by the shareholders of Minera Exar and will be repayable
out of one-third of the dividends to be received by JEMSE over future years from the project. The distribution of dividends to JEMSE and other shareholders in the project will only commence once all
commitments related to the project and debt financing are met. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	5.	 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

 

																									
	  
	 
	 	  	 	 	  	 	 	  	Equipment	 	  	Organoclay	 	  	 	 	 	 	 
	 	  	Land	 	  	Buildings	 	  	and machinery	 	  	plant	 	  	Other	 	 	Total	 
	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	 	$	 
	  
	 
	 Cost
	  				  				  				  				  				 			
	 As at September 30, 2014
	  	 	349	 	  	 	1,789	 	  	 	4,332	 	  	 	9,169	 	  	 	331	 	 	 	15,970	 
	 Additions
	  	 	22	 	  	 	168	 	  	 	736	 	  	 	1,980	 	  	 	37	 	 	 	2,943	 
	 Foreign exchange
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	(12	) 	 	 	(12	) 
	  
	 
	 As at September 30, 2015
	  	 	371	 	  	 	1,957	 	  	 	5,068	 	  	 	11,149	 	  	 	356	 	 	 	18,901	 
	  
	 
	 Additions
	  	 	15	 	  	 	184	 	  	 	88	 	  	 	346	 	  	 	70	 	 	 	703	 
	 Disposition
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	(29	) 	 	 	(29	) 
	 Contribution to Joint Venture
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	(12	) 	 	 	(12	) 
	 Foreign exchange
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	(3	) 	 	 	(3	) 
	  
	 
	 As at December 31, 2016
	  	 	386	 	  	 	2,141	 	  	 	5,156	 	  	 	11,495	 	  	 	382	 	 	 	19,560	 
	  
	 
		  				  				  				  				  				 			
	  
	 
	 	  	 	 	  	 	 	  	Equipment	 	  	Organoclay	 	  	 	 	 	 	 
	 	  	Land	 	  	Buildings	 	  	and machinery	 	  	plant	 	  	Other	 	 	Total	 
	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	 	$	 
	  
	 
	 Accumulated depreciation
	  				  				  				  				  				 			
	 As at September 30, 2014
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	37	 	 	 	37	 
	 Depreciation for the year
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	112	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	39	 	 	 	151	 
	  
	 
	 As at September 30, 2015
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	112	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	76	 	 	 	188	 
	  
	 
	 Depreciation for the year
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	76	 	  	 	335	 	  	 	431	 	  	 	52	 	 	 	894	 
	 Disposition
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	(20	) 	 	 	(20	) 
	 Contribution to Joint Venture
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	(4	) 	 	 	(4	) 
	  
	 
	 As at December 31, 2016
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	76	 	  	 	447	 	  	 	431	 	  	 	104	 	 	 	1,058	 
	  
	 
		  				  				  				  				  				 			
	  
	 
	 	  	 	 	  	 	 	  	Equipment	 	  	Organoclay	 	  	 	 	 	 	 
	 	  	Land	 	  	Buildings	 	  	and machinery	 	  	plant	 	  	Other	 	 	Total	 
	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	 	$	 
	  
	 
	 Net book value
	  				  				  				  				  				 			
	 As at September 30, 2015
	  	 	371	 	  	 	1,957	 	  	 	4,956	 	  	 	11,149	 	  	 	280	 	 	 	18,713	 
	 As at December 31, 2016
	  	 	386	 	  	 	2,065	 	  	 	4,709	 	  	 	11,064	 	  	 	278	 	 	 	18,502	 
	  
	 

  

	6.	 EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS 

 

													
	  
	 
	 	  	December 31, 2016	 
	  
	 
	 	  	Lithium Nevada	 	  	Cauchari-Olaroz	 	  	Total	 
	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 
	  
	 
	 Acquisition costs
	  				  				  			
	 Balance, beginning
	  	 	958	 	  	 	41,665	 	  	 	42,623	 
	 Additions
	  	 	489	 	  	 	71	 	  	 	560	 
	 Change in foreign exchange rate
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	(14,874	) 	  	 	(14,874	) 
	 Sale of 50% of net assets
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	(13,431	) 	  	 	(13,431	) 
	 Contribution to Joint Venture
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	(13,431	) 	  	 	(13,431	) 
	  
	 
	 Total exploration and evaluation assets
	  	 	1,447	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	1,447	 
	  
	 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	6.	 EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS (continue) 

 

													
	  
	 
	 	  	September 30, 2015	 
	  
	 
	 	  	 	 	  	Cauchari-	 	  	 	 
	 	  	Lithium Nevada	 	  	Olaroz	 	  	Total	 
	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 
	  
	 
	 Acquisition costs
	  				  				  			
	 Balance, beginning
	  	 	456	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	456	 
	 Additions
	  	 	502	 	  	 	41,916	 	  	 	42,418	 
	 Change in foreign exchange rate
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	(251	) 	  	 	(251	) 
	  
	 
	 Total exploration and evaluation assets
	  	 	958	 	  	 	41,665	 	  	 	42,623	 
	  
	 

 The Company has the following future payments and royalties on Lithium Nevada project. These
payments will only be incurred if the Company continues to hold the subject claims in the future and the royalties will only be incurred if the Company starts production from the Lithium Nevada project. 

 

	 	•	 	 $50 annual advance net smelter return royalty payment due on January 21 on certain mining claims. The
Company’s interest in these claims is subject to a 3% net smelter return royalty; 

  

	 	•	 	 $2 per year in advance net smelter return royalty payments due on November 15 on four mining claims. The
Company’s interest in these claims is subject to a 1.5% net smelter return royalty; 

  

	 	•	 	 20% royalty on revenue solely in respect of uranium; 

 

	 	•	 	 8% gross revenue royalty on all claims up to a cumulative payment of $22,000. The royalty will then be reduced
to 4% for the life of the project. The Company has the option at any time to reduce the royalty to 1.75% upon payment of $22,000. 

  

	7.	 LONG-TERM BORROWING  

Promissory Note 

In July 2013, the Company purchased an industrial complex in the City of Fernley, Nevada to be the production site for its
organoclay plant. The property was purchased for $1,575, of which $236 was paid at the close of the transaction, and the remaining balance of $1,339 was financed by the seller with a ten-year promissory note
payable in monthly instalments. The promissory note bears 5.25% annual interest for the first five years, and then at a reset interest rate of between 5.5% to 7.5% for the final five years, depending on the prime rate at the time of reset. Security
provided for the promissory note includes a mortgage charge against the purchased property. 
  

	8.	 CONVERTIBLE SECURITY 

In May 2015, the Company received $2,800 under the convertible security funding agreement, net of prepaid interest of $560 and
financing fee of $140, and issued a convertible security with a face value of $3,500. The convertible security has a two-year term from the date of issue and incurs an interest rate of 10% on the amount of
funding. The Company provided a second lien on its organoclay plant as a security for the convertible security. In June 2016, the Company repaid the remaining balance of $1,653 related to the convertible security and removed the second lien on the
organoclay plant. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	8.	 CONVERTIBLE SECURITY (continue) 

The changes in the convertible security since the initial funding are as follows: 

 

					
	  
	 
	 	  	$	 
	  
	 
	 Face value of convertible security
	  	 	3,500	 
	 Security conversion
	  	 	(300	) 
	 Prepaid interest for 2 years
	  	 	(560	) 
	 Financing fee
	  	 	(140	) 
	 Transaction costs
	  	 	(187	) 
	 Fair value of warrants
	  	 	(236	) 
	 Conversion discount liability
	  	 	(618	) 
	 Convertible security accretion
	  	 	748	 
	  
	 
	 Carrying value of the convertible security
	  	 	2,207	 
	 Conversion discount liability
	  	 	565	 
	  
	 
	 Convertible security, September 30, 2015
	  	 	2,772	 
	  
	 
	 Security conversion
	  	 	(1,636	) 
	 Decrease in conversion discount liability
	  	 	(289	) 
	 Convertible security accretion
	  	 	806	 
	 Repayment of convertible security
	  	 	(1,653	) 
	  
	 
	 Convertible security, December 31, 2016
	  	 	—  	 
	  
	 

 The following table summarizes the security conversions since inception: 

 

													
	  
	 
	Conversion Date	  	Conversion Amount
$	 	  	 Calculated Conversion

Price, CDN$
	 	  	Number of Shares Issued	 
	  
	 
	 September 22, 2015
	  	 	300	 	  	 	0.4721	 	  	 	838	 
	 October 13, 2015
	  	 	350	 	  	 	0.2326	 	  	 	1,963	 
	 November 2, 2015
	  	 	200	 	  	 	0.2995	 	  	 	875	 
	 November 30, 2015
	  	 	275	 	  	 	0.2484	 	  	 	1,479	 
	 December 31, 2015
	  	 	350	 	  	 	0.2786	 	  	 	1,744	 
	 January 26, 2016
	  	 	250	 	  	 	0.3242	 	  	 	1,101	 
	 February 29, 2016
	  	 	211	 	  	 	0.3340	 	  	 	876	 
	  
	 
		  	 	1,936	 	  				  	 	8,876	 
	  
	 

  

	9.	 ISSUED CAPITAL, EQUITY COMPENSATION, AND WARRANTS 

Private Placement 

On July 20, 2015, the Company closed its non-brokered private placement (the
“Private Placement”) of subscription receipts (“Subscription Receipts”) to an affiliate of The Bangchak Petroleum Public Company Limited (“Bangchak”). Pursuant to the Private Placement, the Company issued to Bangchak an
aggregate of 9,214 Subscription Receipts at a price of $0.54264 per Subscription Receipt, for aggregate gross proceeds of $5,000. Of the Subscription Receipts, (a) in fiscal 2015, 2,764 Subscription Receipts (the “Shareholder Approval
Subscription Receipts”) each were converted into 3,023 common shares of the Company for total gross proceeds of $1,500 with associated costs of $170 and (b) during the fifteen month period ended December 31, 2016, 6,450 Subscription
Receipts were converted into 17,263 common shares of the Company for total gross proceeds of $3,500 with associated transaction costs of $191. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	9.	 ISSUED CAPITAL, EQUITY COMPENSATION, AND WARRANTS (continued) 

Bought deal offering 

In June 2015, the Company closed a bought deal offering. The offering consisted of 11,414 units of the Company at a price of
CDN$0.70 per unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $6,487. Each unit consisted of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole common share purchase warrant
entitles the holder thereof to acquire one share at a price of CDN$0.90 until June 9, 2017. In addition, the Company issued 742 brokers’ warrants. Brokers’ warrants entitle the holder to purchase one common share for a price of
CDN$0.70 per share until June 9, 2017. The brokers’ warrants were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The warrants were valued at CDN$0.20 per warrant for total value of $119. The fair value of warrants granted was
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 0.67%, expected volatility of 50%, expected life of 2 years, share price on date of issuance of CDN$0.70, and expected
dividend rate of 0%. The Company incurred $660 in consulting, legal, and other expenses associated with the offering. 
 Plan of
Arrangement 
 In September 2015, the Company completed the plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement’) pursuant to
which Western Lithium acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Lithium Americas in exchange for 0.789 common shares of Western Lithium for each Lithium Americas share held. Lithium Americas became a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Western Lithium. The Arrangement was accounted for as an asset acquisition as Lithium Americas was not considered to meet the definition of a business under IFRS 3, Business Combinations. 

Pursuant to the Arrangement, Western Lithium issued an aggregate of 130,847 common shares to the former shareholders of Lithium
Americas. These shares were issued to replace an aggregate of 165,840 of Lithium Americas shares, which included 156,434 shares outstanding as at the date of closing the transaction, 1,108 shares issued for cashless exercise of Lithium Americas
options and 8,298 shares issued to settle change of control payments due to certain Lithium Americas executives. The fair value of the common shares was estimated to be CDN$0.39 per share, the closing market value of the Company’s shares as at
September 4, 2015. This was translated into US$ using the closing CDN$/US$ exchange rate as of September 4, 2015, of 0.7534. Transaction costs associated with the Arrangement of $959 were comprised of professional fees, filing and transfer
agent fees, and other costs. In addition, 6,775 of Lithium Americas in-the-money outstanding stock options held by certain LAC executives (the “Replacement
options”) and 100 of outstanding share purchase warrants of Lithium Americas (the “Replacement warrants”) were exchanged for fully vested stock options and warrants of Western Lithium with the term identical to the original LAC stock
options and warrants, each of which is exercisable to acquire Western Lithium shares based on the exchange ratio. 
 The
Company issued 5,346 Replacement options with the expiry dates between April 18, 2019 and February 12, 2020, and the exercise prices ranging from CDN$0.29-0.38 per share. The estimated fair value of
these options totaled $1,198. The fair value of the Replacement options was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on a risk-free annual interest rate of 0.6%, expected life of 3 years, annualized volatility of 80%, and a
dividend yield rate of nil. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	9.	 ISSUED CAPITAL, EQUITY COMPENSATION, AND WARRANTS (continued) 

Equity Incentive Plan 

The Company has an equity incentive plan (“Plan”) in accordance with the policies of the TSX whereby, from time to
time, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, eligible directors, officers, employees and consultants are: (1) granted incentive stock options exercisable to purchase common shares (“Stock Options”); (2) awarded restricted share
rights (“RSs”) that convert automatically into common shares upon vesting; and (3) for eligible directors, awarded deferred share units (“DSUs”) which the directors are entitled to redeem for common shares upon retirement or
termination from the Board. Under the Plan, common shares reserved for issuance of Stock Options, RSs and DSUs shall not exceed 10% of the outstanding shares from time to time. The exercise price of each stock option is based on the fair market
price of the Company’s common shares at the time of the grant. The options can be granted for a maximum term of five years. 

Restricted Shares 

During the fifteen-month period ended December 31, 2016, the Company granted 4,367 RSs to its directors, executive
officers, consultants and employees. The total estimated fair value of the RSs was $1,864 based on the market value of the Company’s shares on the grant date. The fair value of 172 RSs that were granted in lieu of deferred salaries was recorded
as a reduction of accrued liabilities, and the fair value of the remaining 4,195 RSs is being recorded as a share-based payments expense and charged to operating expenses over the vesting period. 

As at December 31, 2016, $116 of the fair value of RSs previously granted but not yet vested remains to be expensed in
fiscal 2017. 
 During the fifteen-month period ended December 31, 2016, the fair value of RSs of $1,682 was recorded as
a share-based payments expense and charged to operating expenses. 
 A summary of changes to restricted shares is as follows:

  

									
	  
	 
	 	  	Number
of RSs	 	  	FMV Price per share,	 
	 	  	(in 000’s)	 	  	(CDN$)	 
	  
	 
	 Balance, RSs September 30, 2015
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 
	  
	 
	 Granted
	  	 	3,247	 	  	 	0.47	 
	 Granted
	  	 	350	 	  	 	0.75	 
	 Granted
	  	 	100	 	  	 	0.73	 
	 Granted
	  	 	350	 	  	 	0.96	 
	 Granted
	  	 	320	 	  	 	0.74	 
	 Converted into common shares
	  	 	(1,613	) 	  	 	(0.47	) 
	 Converted into common shares
	  	 	(200	) 	  	 	(0.75	) 
	 Converted into common shares
	  	 	(100	) 	  	 	(0.73	) 
	  
	 
	 Balance, RSs December 31, 2016
	  	 	2,454	 	  	 	0.56	 
	  
	 

  

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	9.	 ISSUED CAPITAL, EQUITY COMPENSATION, AND WARRANTS (continued) 

Equity Incentive Plan (continued) 

Restricted Shares (continued) 

Restricted shares granted during the period ended December 31, 2016, are as follows: 

 

									
	  
	  

	Number
of RSs granted
(in 000’s)	 	  	FMV price
per share
CDN$	 	  	Conversion dates
	 	1,413	 	  	 	0.47	 	  	May 14, 2016
	 	   100	 	  	 	0.75	 	  	May 1, 20161
	 	   100	 	  	 	0.73	 	  	May 13, 2016
	 	   200	 	  	 	0.47	 	  	June 30, 2016
	 	   100	 	  	 	0.75	 	  	November 1, 2016
	 	   200	 	  	 	0.96	 	  	January 2, 20171
	 	   200	 	  	 	0.47	 	  	March 1, 2017
	 	   400	 	  	 	0.47	 	  	March 30, 2017
	 	   150	 	  	 	0.75	 	  	May 1, 20171
	 	   400	 	  	 	0.47	 	  	March 30, 2018
	 	   150	 	  	 	0.96	 	  	August 11, 20171
	 	   320	 	  	 	0.74	 	  	January 9, 20171
	 	   634	 	  	 	0.47	 	  	Change of control or separation from the Company
	 	4,367	 	  				  	
	  
	  

  

	1	 Conversion is subject to vesting on the same dates. 

Deferred Share Units 

During the fifteen-month period ended December 31, 2016, the Company granted 47 DSUs with the total estimated fair value
of $17 to two of the Company’s directors in lieu of the directors’ fees payments for the period October 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016. 

Stock Options 

During the fifteen- month period ended December 31, 2016, the Company granted a total of 9,365 stock options to its
directors, officers, and employees. The fair value of stock options granted are estimated on the dates of grants using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following assumptions used for the grants made during the period: 

 

																					
	  
	 
	 	  	Oct 5,	 	 	March 30,	 	 	May 1,	 	 	Aug 11,	 	 	Aug 30,	 
	 	  	2015	 	 	2016	 	 	2016	 	 	2016	 	 	2016	 
	  
	 
	 Number of options granted (‘000’s)
	  	 	3,505	 	 	 	4,600	 	 	 	500	 	 	 	500	 	 	 	260	 
	 Exercise price per share (CDN$)
	  	$	0.30	 	 	$	0.47	 	 	$	0.75	 	 	$	0.96	 	 	$	0.91	 
	 Risk-free interest rate
	  	 	0.7	% 	 	 	0.6	% 	 	 	0.6	% 	 	 	0.6	% 	 	 	0.6	% 
	 Expected life
	  	 	3 years	 	 	 	3 years	 	 	 	3 years	 	 	 	3 years	 	 	 	3 years	 
	 Annualized volatility
	  	 	80	% 	 	 	92	% 	 	 	92	% 	 	 	94	% 	 	 	96	% 
	 Dividend rate
	  	 	0.00	% 	 	 	0.00	% 	 	 	0.00	% 	 	 	0.00	% 	 	 	0.00	% 
	 Fair value per stock option granted (CDN$)
	  	$	0.16	 	 	$	0.27	 	 	$	0.41	 	 	$	0.56	 	 	$	0.54	 
	 Total fair value of stock options granted (CDN$)
	  	$	561	 	 	$	1,242	 	 	$	205	 	 	$	280	 	 	$	140	 
	  
	 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	9.	 ISSUED CAPITAL, EQUITY COMPENSATION, AND WARRANTS (continued) 

Equity Incentive Plan (continued)  

Stock Options (continued) 

Stock options outstanding and exercisable as December 31, 2016, are as follows: 

 

													
	  
	  

	 Number

of Options Outstanding
(in 000’s)
	 	  	 Number

of Options Exercisable
(in 000’s)
	 	  	Exercise Price
CDN$	 	  	Expiry Date
	 	90	 	  	 	90	 	  	 	0.27	 	  	January 3, 20171
	 	800	 	  	 	800	 	  	 	0.16	 	  	August 30, 2017
	 	1,400	 	  	 	1,400	 	  	 	0.27	 	  	October 21, 2018
	 	210	 	  	 	210	 	  	 	0.80	 	  	April 1, 2019
	 	1,105	 	  	 	1,105	 	  	 	0.38	 	  	April 18, 2019
	 	275	 	  	 	275	 	  	 	0.49	 	  	July 16, 2019
	 	3,708	 	  	 	3,708	 	  	 	0.29	 	  	July 16, 2019
	 	1,425	 	  	 	1,425	 	  	 	0.69	 	  	August 15, 2019
	 	533	 	  	 	533	 	  	 	0.34	 	  	February 12, 2020
	 	1,988	 	  	 	1,766	 	  	 	0.30	 	  	October 5, 2020
	 	4,325	 	  	 	2,163	 	  	 	0.47	 	  	March 30, 2021
	 	500	 	  	 	250	 	  	 	0.75	 	  	May 1, 2021
	 	500	 	  	 	125	 	  	 	0.96	 	  	August 11, 2021
	 	260	 	  	 	65	 	  	 	0.91	 	  	August 30, 2021
	 	17,119	 	  	 	13,915	 	  				  	
	  
	  

  

	1	 stock options were exercised subsequent to December 31, 2016. 

A summary of changes to stock options outstanding is as follows: 

 

									
	  
	 
	 	  	Number
of Options
(in 000’s)	 	  	Weighted Average
Exercise Price,
(CDN$)	 
	  
	 
	 Balance, outstanding September 30, 2014
	  	 	15,480	 	  	 	0.59	 
	  
	 
	 Issued Replacement options
	  	 	5,346	 	  	 	0.31	 
	 Forfeited
	  	 	(98	) 	  	 	(0.71	) 
	 Expired
	  	 	(2,375	) 	  	 	(1.25	) 
	 Exercised
	  	 	(1,022	) 	  	 	(0.45	) 
	  
	 
	 Balance, outstanding September 30, 2015
	  	 	17,331	 	  	 	0.43	 
	  
	 
	 Expired
	  	 	(1,450	) 	  	 	(1.23	) 
	 Forfeited
	  	 	(116	) 	  	 	(0.45	) 
	 Exercised
	  	 	(8,011	) 	  	 	(0.35	) 
	 Granted
	  	 	9,365	 	  	 	0.46	 
	  
	 
	 Balance, outstanding December 31, 2016
	  	 	17,119	 	  	 	0.43	 
	  
	 

 During the fifteen-month period ended December 31, 2016, 4,668 (year ended
September 30, 2015 – 113) options were exercised under the cashless exercise provision of the Company’s stock option plan, resulting in the issuance of 2,790 (year ended September 30, 2015 – 71) shares of the Company. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	9.	 ISSUED CAPITAL, EQUITY COMPENSATION, AND WARRANTS (continued) 

Equity Incentive Plan (continued) 

Stock Options (continued) 

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options of $1,511 (year ended September 30, 2015 - $567) was charged to
operations and credited to contributed surplus to reflect the fair value of stock options vested during the fifteen-month period ended December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016, $317 of the fair value of stock options previously granted but
not yet vested remains to be expensed in fiscal 2017, and $5 in fiscal 2018. The weighted-average share price on the date of the stock options exercised was CDN$0.85 (year ended September 30, 2015 – CDN$0.70). 

Warrants 

A summary of the changes in the number of the Company’s share purchase warrants is as follows: 

 

													
	  
	 
	 	  	Number of
Warrants
(in ‘000’s)	 	  	Weighted Average
Exercise Price
(CDN$)	 	  	Expiry Date	 
	  
	 
	 Balance, September 30, 2014
	  	 	8,272	 	  	 	0.74	 	  			
	  
	 
	 Exercised
	  	 	(107	) 	  	 	(0.75	) 	  	 	May 16, 2016	 
	 Exercised
	  	 	(41	) 	  	 	(0.58	) 	  	 	May 16, 2016	 
	 Issued
	  	 	79	 	  	 	0.48	 	  	 	August 12, 2016	 
	 Issued
	  	 	5,707	 	  	 	0.90	 	  	 	June 9, 2017	 
	 Issued
	  	 	742	 	  	 	0.70	 	  	 	June 9, 2017	 
	 Issued
	  	 	3,125	 	  	 	0.8464	 	  	 	May 19, 2018	 
	  
	 
	 Balance, September 30, 2015
	  	 	17,777	 	  	 	0.81	 	  			
	  
	 
	 Exercised
	  	 	(371	) 	  	 	0.58	 	  	 	May 16, 2016	 
	 Exercised
	  	 	(1,344	) 	  	 	0.75	 	  	 	May 16, 2016	 
	 Exercised
	  	 	(215	) 	  	 	0.90	 	  	 	June 9, 2017	 
	 Exercised
	  	 	(25	) 	  	 	0.70	 	  	 	June 9, 2017	 
	 Exercised
	  	 	(79	) 	  	 	0.48	 	  	 	August 28, 2016	 
	 Expired
	  	 	(6,409	) 	  	 	(0.75	) 	  	 	May 16, 2016	 
	  
	 
	 Balance, December 31, 2016
	  	 	9,334	 	  	 	0.87	 	  			
	  
	 

  

	10.	 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

The Company’s 50%-owned joint venture Minera Exar entered in the following transactions with companies controlled by the
family of a director of the Company: 
  

	 	•	 	 Los Boros Option Agreement (Note 4); 

 

	 	•	 	 Construction contract for Cauchari-Olaroz project for $2,179 (the Company’s portion is $1,089).

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	10.	 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued) 

Compensation of Key Management 

The Company paid its non-executive directors a fee of CDN$25 per year and an additional
CDN$10 per year to the Company’s Audit Committee Chair. Effective April 1, 2016, the Company revised the remuneration of its non-executive directors to a base annual fee of $35 per year and an
additional $5 per year to a Committee Chair, $10 to the Company’s Audit Committee Chair, and $25 to the Company’s Board Chair. In addition, the Company will pay $1 per meeting in cash for Board meetings in excess of six meetings per year.
The fees will be settled through a combination of cash and the issuance of the DSUs with each board member obligated to receive a minimum of 50% and a maximum of 100% of all such compensation in DSUs. 

The remuneration of directors and members of the executive management team included: 

 

									
	  
	 
	 	  	For the fifteen months
ended December 31,	 	  	For the year ended
September 30,	 
		  	  
	  
	 
	 	  	2016	 	  	2015	 
	 	  	$	 	  	$	 
	  
	 
	 Stock-based compensation
	  	 	895	 	  	 	1,689	 
	 Deferred salaries and bonuses – stock-based compensation
	  	 	1,165	 	  	 	—  	 
	 Bonuses – stock-based compensation
	  	 	334	 	  	 	—  	 
	 Salaries, benefits and directors fees included in general and administrative expenses
	  	 	1,901	 	  	 	1,066	 
	 Salaries and benefits included in exploration expenditures
	  	 	396	 	  	 	487	 
	 Salaries and benefits included in capital assets
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	136	 
	  
	 
		  	 	4,691	 	  	 	3,378	 
	  
	 
	
	  
	 
	 	  	As at December 31,	 	  	As at September 30,	 
		  	  
	  
	 
	 	  	2016	 	  	2015	 
	 	  	$	 	  	$	 
	  
	 
	 Total due to directors and executive team
	  	 	411	 	  	 	58	 
	  
	 

 There were no contractual or other commitments from the related party transactions. The
amounts due to related parties are unsecured, non-interest bearing and have no specific terms for repayment. 
  

	11.	 GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 

The following table summarizes the Company’s general and administrative expenses during the fifteen months ended
December 31, 2016 and year ended September 30, 2015: 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	11.	 GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (continued) 

 

									
	  
	 
	 	  	For the fifteen months
ended December 31,	 	  	For the year ended
September 30,	 
		  	  
	  
	 
	 	  	2016	 	  	2015	 
	 	  	$	 	  	$	 
	  
	 
	 Investor relations
	  	 	253	 	  	 	172	 
	 Marketing
	  	 	875	 	  	 	538	 
	 Office and administration
	  	 	741	 	  	 	604	 
	 Professional fees
	  	 	886	 	  	 	333	 
	 Regulatory and filing fees
	  	 	112	 	  	 	64	 
	 Salaries, benefits and directors fees
	  	 	2,619	 	  	 	1,460	 
	 Travel and conferences
	  	 	493	 	  	 	305	 
	 Transaction costs
	  	 	431	 	  	 	—  	 
	 Depreciation
	  	 	38	 	  	 	39	 
	  
	 
		  	 	6,448	 	  	 	3,515	 
	  
	 

  

	12.	 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

As at December 31, 2016, the Company had the following commitments that have not been disclosed elsewhere in these
consolidated financial statements: 
  

																	
	  
	 
	 	  	 Not later than
1 year

$
	 	  	 Later than 1 year
and not later than
5 years

$
	 	  	 Later than

5 years
 $
	 	  	Total
$	 
	  
	 
	 Rent of office spaces
	  	 	149	 	  	 	206	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	355	 
	  
	 

 The Company’s former officer’s employment was terminated in 2013 and the individual
subsequently filed a statement of claim with a labour court in the Province of Mendoza, Argentina, against the Company’s Argentine subsidiary, Minera Exar, and the Company, for approximately 5.3 million Argentine pesos for severance and
other labour-related payments allegedly due to the officer. The Company rejected the former officer’s case and any liability with regard to the claims and counts made in such action. In March 2016, the Mendoza court issued a judgement favorable
to the Company and as a result the Company removed a previously recorded provision of $544 from its accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The $544 gain is included in other income on the Company’s statement of comprehensive loss. The
Company incurred related legal and accounting expenses of $96. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	13.	 EXPLORATION EXPENDITURES 

The following tables summarize the Company’s exploration expenditures during the fifteen months ended December 31,
2016 and the year ended September 30, 2015: 
  

													
	  
	 
	 	  	For the fifteen months ended December 31, 2016	 
	  
	 
	 	  	Lithium Nevada	 	  	Cauchari-Olaroz1	 	  	Total	 
	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 
	  
	 
	 Engineering
	  	 	169	 	  	 	82	 	  	 	251	 
	 Environmental
	  	 	83	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	83	 
	 Geological and consulting
	  	 	1,800	 	  	 	454	 	  	 	2,254	 
	 Field supplies, other services, and taxes
	  	 	280	 	  	 	440	 	  	 	720	 
	 Lithium demo plant equipment depreciation
	  	 	140	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	140	 
	  
	 
	 Total exploration expenditures
	  	 	2,472	 	  	 	976	 	  	 	3,448	 
	  
	 

  

	1 	 Exploration expenditures prior to the formation of the Joint Venture 

													
	
	  
	 
	 	  	For the year ended September 30, 2015	 
	  
	 
	 	  	Lithium Nevada	 	  	Cauchari-Olaroz1	 	  	Total	 
	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 
	  
	 
	 Engineering
	  	 	102	 	  	 	21	 	  	 	123	 
	 Environmental
	  	 	36	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	36	 
	 Geological and consulting
	  	 	1,521	 	  	 	43	 	  	 	1,564	 
	 Field supplies, other services, and taxes
	  	 	215	 	  	 	37	 	  	 	252	 
	 Lithium demo plant equipment depreciation
	  	 	112	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	112	 
	  
	 
	 Total exploration expenditures
	  	 	1,986	 	  	 	101	 	  	 	2,087	 
	  
	 

  

	14.	 SEGMENTED INFORMATION 

The Company operates in three operating segments and four geographical segments. Organoclay project is in the production stage
and Lithium Nevada and Cauchari-Olaroz projects are in the exploration stage. 
 The Company’s reportable segments are
summarized in the following tables: 
  

																					
	  
	 
	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	Cauchari-	 	  	 	 	 	 	 
	 	  	Organoclay	 	 	Lithium Nevada	 	 	Olaroz	 	  	Corporate	 	 	Total	 
	 	  	$	 	 	$	 	 	$	 	  	$	 	 	$	 
	  
	 
	 As at December 31, 2016
	  				 				 				  				 			
	 Capital assets
	  	 	17,450	 	 	 	1,033	 	 	 	—  	 	  	 	19	 	 	 	18,502	 
	 Exploration and evaluation assets
	  	 	—  	 	 	 	1,447	 	 	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	 	 	1,447	 
	 Total assets
	  	 	18,585	 	 	 	3,056	 	 	 	13,136	 	  	 	10,524	 	 	 	45,301	 
	 Total liabilities
	  	 	(1,513	) 	 	 	(291	) 	 	 	—  	 	  	 	(1,074	) 	 	 	(2,878	) 
	  
	 
	 For the fifteen months ended December 31, 2016
	  				 				 				  				 			
	 Property, plant and equipment expenditures
	  	 	681	 	 	 	14	 	 	 	2	 	  	 	6	 	 	 	703	 
	 Sales
	  	 	1,154	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	 	 	1,154	 
	 Inventory write-down
	  	 	648	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	 	 	648	 
	 Net loss
	  	 	2,871	 	 	 	3,335	 	 	 	3,987	 	  	 	17,531	 	 	 	27,724	 
	 Exploration expenditures
	  	 	—  	 	 	 	2,472	 	 	 	976	 	  	 	—  	 	 	 	3,448	 
	 Organoclay research and development
	  	 	536	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	 	 	536	 
	  
	 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	14.	 SEGMENTED INFORMATION (continued) 

 

																					
	  
	 
	 	  	 	 	 	Lithium	 	 	Cauchari-	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	  	Organoclay	 	 	Nevada	 	 	Olaroz	 	 	Corporate	 	 	Total	 
	 	  	$	 	 	$	 	 	$	 	 	$	 	 	$	 
	  
	 
	 As at September 30, 2015
	  				 				 				 				 			
	 Property, plant and equipment expenditures
	  	 	17,469	 	 	 	1,203	 	 	 	13	 	 	 	28	 	 	 	18,713	 
	 Exploration and evaluation assets
	  	 	—  	 	 	 	958	 	 	 	41,665	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	42,623	 
	 Total assets
	  	 	18,159	 	 	 	2,564	 	 	 	41,921	 	 	 	5,897	 	 	 	68,541	 
	 Total liabilities
	  	 	(1,377	) 	 	 	(314	) 	 	 	(304	) 	 	 	(5,631	) 	 	 	(7,626	) 
	  
	 
	 For the twelve months ended September 30, 2015
	  				 				 				 				 			
	 Property, plant and equipment
	  	 	2,602	 	 	 	322	 	 	 	14	 	 	 	5	 	 	 	2,943	 
	 Net loss
	  	 	1,141	 	 	 	2,490	 	 	 	165	 	 	 	3,759	 	 	 	7,555	 
	 Exploration expenditures
	  	 	—  	 	 	 	1,986	 	 	 	101	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	2,087	 
	 Organoclay research and development
	  	 	434	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	434	 
	  
	 

 The Company’s total assets are segmented geographically as follows: 

 

																					
	  
	 
	 	  	As at December 31, 2016	 
	  
	 
	 	  	Canada	 	  	United States	 	  	Germany	 	  	Argentina	 	  	Total	 
	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 
	  
	 
	 Current assets
	  	 	8,858	 	  	 	1,365	 	  	 	176	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	10,399	 
	 Property, plant and equipment expenditures
	  	 	19	 	  	 	17,615	 	  	 	868	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	18,502	 
	 Exploration and evaluation assets
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	1,447	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	1,447	 
	 Restricted cash
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	150	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	150	 
	 Escrow deposit
	  	 	1,667	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	1,667	 
	 Investment in Joint Venture
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	13,136	 	  	 	13,136	 
	  
	 
		  	 	10,544	 	  	 	20,577	 	  	 	1,044	 	  	 	13,136	 	  	 	45,301	 
	  
	 

  

																					
	  
	 
	 	  	As at September 30, 2015	 
	  
	 
	 	  	Canada	 	  	United States	 	  	Germany	 	  	Argentina	 	  	Total	 
	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 
	  
	 
	 Current assets
	  	 	5,870	 	  	 	756	 	  	 	187	 	  	 	242	 	  	 	7,055	 
	 Property, plant and equipment expenditures
	  	 	28	 	  	 	17,664	 	  	 	1,008	 	  	 	13	 	  	 	18,713	 
	 Exploration and evaluation assets
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	958	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	41,665	 	  	 	42,623	 
	 Restricted cash
	  	 	—  	 	  	 	150	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	150	 
	  
	 
		  	 	5,898	 	  	 	19,528	 	  	 	1,195	 	  	 	41,920	 	  	 	68,541	 
	  
	 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	15.	 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE WITH RESPECT TO CASH FLOWS 

Supplementary disclosure of the Company’s non-cash transactions is provided in the
table below: 
  

									
	  
	 
	 	 	For the fifteen months ended	 	 	For the year ended	 
	 	 	December 31,	 	 	September 30	 
	 	 	2016	 	 	2015	 
	 	 	$	 	 	$	 
	  
	 
	 Accounts payable related to property, plant and equipment
	 	 	50	 	 	 	53	 
	 Assets acquired under finance leases
	 	 	—  	 	 	 	97	 
	 Accounts payable related to inventories
	 	 	197	 	 	 	4	 
	 Accounts payable related to financings
	 	 	175	 	 	 	74	 
	 Accounts payable related to transaction cost
	 	 	—  	 	 	 	400	 
	 RSs granted in lieu of deferred salaries and directors’ fees
	 	 	80	 	 	 	—  	 
	  
	 
		 				 			
	  
	 
	 Interest/finance charges paid
	 	 	77	 	 	 	69	 
	 Income taxes paid
	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 
	  
	 

  

	16.	 INCOME TAXES 

A reconciliation of income taxes at Canadian statutory rates with reported taxes is as follows: 

 

									
	  
	 
	 	 	For the fifteen months ended	 	 	For the year ended	 
	 	 	December 31	 	 	September 30,	 
	 	 	2016	 	 	2015	 
	 	 	$	 	 	$	 
	  
	 
	 Loss for the year
	 	 	(27,724	) 	 	 	(7,555	) 
	  
	 
	 Expected income tax recovery
	 	 	(7,208	) 	 	 	(1,955	) 
	 Items not deductible for income tax purposes
	 	 	1,010	 	 	 	190	 
	 Loss of sale of 50% interest in Minera Exar
	 	 	3,278	 	 	 	—  	 
	 Effect of higher tax rate in foreign jurisdiction
	 	 	(647	) 	 	 	(1,663	) 
	 Change in unrecognized deferred tax assets and other
	 	 	3,567	 	 	 	3,428	 
	  
	 
	 Deferred income tax (expense)/recovery
	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 
	  
	 

 The significant components of the Company’s deductible temporary differences are as
follows: 
  

									
	  
	 
	 	 	December 31, 2016	 	 	September 30, 2015	 
	 	 	$	 	 	$	 
	  
	 
	 Tax loss carryforwards
	 	 	12,634	 	 	 	10,556	 
	 Exploration and evaluation assets
	 	 	1,350	 	 	 	2,102	 
	 Financing costs
	 	 	424	 	 	 	516	 
	 Capital assets
	 	 	607	 	 	 	92	 
	 Other
	 	 	94	 	 	 	151	 
	  
	 
	 Unrecognized deferred tax assets
	 	 	15,108	 	 	 	13,417	 
	  
	 

 The Company has Canadian non-capital loss
carryforwards of CDN$24,200 (2015 - CDN$ 17,200) and in the US of approximately $22,700 (2015 - $17,200) expiring between 2028 – 2036 which are available to reduce taxable income in Canada and the US respectively. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	17.	 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Financial instruments recorded at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial position are classified using a fair
value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels: 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; 

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly or
indirectly; and 
 Level 3 – Inputs for assets and liabilities that are not based on observable market data. 

The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market inputs whenever such inputs exist. A financial instrument is
classified to the lowest level of the hierarchy for which a significant input has been considered in measuring fair value. The Company did not have any financial instruments measured at fair value on the statement of financial position. 

The Company may be exposed to risks of varying degrees of significance which could affect its ability to achieve its strategic
objectives. The Company manages risks to minimize potential losses. The main objective of the Company’s risk management process is to ensure that the risks are properly identified and that the capital base is adequate in relation to those
risks. The principal risks to which the Company is exposed are described below. 
 Credit Risk 

Credit risk is the risk of loss associated with a counterparty’s inability to fulfill its payment obligations. Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, escrow deposit, and receivables. The Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk for cash, cash equivalents, and
escrow deposit is the amount disclosed in the consolidated statements of financial position. The Company limits its exposure to credit loss by placing its cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions and invests only in short-term
obligations that are guaranteed by the Canadian government or by Canadian and US chartered banks. 
 Included in the
receivables, prepaids and deposits are credit sales receivables of $381. Management’s assessment of recoverability involves judgments regarding classification on the consolidated statements of financial position and the probable outcomes of
claimed deductions and/or disputes. The provisions and classifications made to date may be subject to change. 
 The
Company’s receivables, prepaids and deposits include a $110 bank deposit for the Company’s secured credit cards and other miscellaneous receivables that are subject to normal industry credit risk. 

Management believes that the credit risk concentration with respect to financial instruments included in cash, cash equivalents
and receivables is minimal. 
 Liquidity Risk 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The
Company’s approach to managing liquidity is to evaluate current and expected liquidity requirements under both normal and stressed conditions to ensure that it maintains sufficient reserves of cash and cash equivalents to meet its liquidity
requirements in the short and long term. As the industry in which the Company operates is very capital intensive, the majority of the Company’s spending is related to its capital programs. The Company prepares annual budgets, which are
regularly monitored and updated as considered necessary. Subsequent to December 31, 2016, the Company signed investment agreements, see Note 18. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	17.	 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued) 

As at December 31, 2016, the Company had a cash and cash equivalents balance of $8,056 (September 30, 2015 - $5,552) to
settle current liabilities of $1,806 (September 30, 2015 - $6,215). 
 The following table summarizes the maturities of the
Company’s financial liabilities on undiscounted basis: 
  

																	
	  
	 
	 	  	Years ending December 31,	 
	  
	 
	 	  	2017	 	  	2018	 	  	2019 and later	 	  	Total	 
	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 
	  
	 
	 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
	  	 	1,637	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	1,637	 
	 Long-term borrowing1
	  	 	172	 	  	 	172	 	  	 	790	 	  	 	1,134	 
	 Obligation under finance leases1
	  	 	48	 	  	 	48	 	  	 	24	 	  	 	120	 
	  
	 
	 Total
	  	 	1,857	 	  	 	220	 	  	 	814	 	  	 	2,891	 
	  
	 

  

	1	 Long-term borrowing and obligation under capital leases include principal and interest/finance charges.

 Market Risk 

Market risk incorporates a range of risks. Movement in risk factors, such as market price risk and currency risk, affect the
fair values of financial assets and liabilities. The Company is exposed to these risks as the ability of the Company to develop or market its property and the future profitability of the Company are related to the market price of certain minerals.

 Foreign Currency Risk 

The Company’s operations in foreign countries are subject of currency fluctuations and such fluctuations may affect the
Company’s financial results. The Company reports its financial results in United States dollars and incurs expenditures in Canadian dollars (“CDN$”), US dollars (“US$”), Euros (“€”), and Argentinian pesos
(“ARS”) with the majority of the expenditures being incurred in US$ by the Company’s subsidiaries. As at December 31, 2016, $7,804 of the Company’s $8,056 in cash and cash equivalents was held in Untied States Dollars. 

 

	18.	 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 

Subsequent to December 31, 2016, the Company: 
  

	 	•	 	 Signed an investment agreement (the “Ganfeng Investment Agreement”) with GFL International Co., Ltd.
(“Ganfeng”) for funding to advance the construction of the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium project in Jujuy, Argentina. 

Pursuant to the Investment Agreement: 
  

	 	•	 	 Ganfeng has agreed to purchase, by way of a private placement, 75,000 common shares at a price of CDN$0.85 per
common share for gross proceeds of CDN$64,000 (US$49,000); 

  

	 	•	 	 Ganfeng will provide to Lithium Americas a US$125,000 project debt facility to be used to fund a portion of
Lithium Americas’ share of Cauchari-Olaroz construction costs. The project debt facility has a term of six years, with an interest rate of 8.0% for the first three years that increases to 8.5% in year four, 9.0% in year five and 9.5% in year
six; 

  

	 	•	 	 Ganfeng and the Company have agreed to terms for an offtake entitlement in favour of Ganfeng for the purchase
of up to 70% of Lithium Americas’ share of Cauchari-Olaroz Stage 1 lithium carbonate production at market prices; 

  

	 	•	 	 Ganfeng will be entitled to one nominee on Lithium Americas’ board of directors and anti-dilution
protection to maintain its proportionate interest in Lithium Americas for a two-year term. 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 

(Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except for per share amounts; shares in thousands) 

 

	18.	 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (continued) 

On January 27, 2017, pursuant to the “Ganfeng Investment Agreement”, the Company issued to Ganfeng 11,250 common
shares at a price of CDN$0.85 per share, for an aggregate cash subscription of CDN$9,563. The common shares are subject to a four month hold expiring May 27, 2017. 
  

	 	•	 	 Signed an investment agreement (the “Bangchak Investment Agreement”) with The Bangchak Petroleum
Public Company Limited (“Bangchak”) through its wholly-owned subsidiary, BCP Innovation Pte Ltd (“BCPI”) for funding to advance the construction of the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium project in Jujuy, Argentina. 

Pursuant to the Investment Agreement: 
  

	 	•	 	 BCPI has agreed to purchase, by way of a private placement, 50,000 common shares at a price of CDN$0.85 per
common share for gross proceeds of C$42,500 (US$32,000); 

  

	 	•	 	 BCPI will provide to Lithium Americas a US$80,000 project debt facility to be used to fund a portion of
Lithium Americas’ share of Cauchari-Olaroz construction costs. The project debt facility has a term of six years, with an interest rate of 8.0% for the first three years that increases to 8.5% in year four, 9.0% in year five and 9.5% in year
six; 

  

	 	•	 	 BCPI and the Company have agreed to terms for an offtake entitlement in favour of BCPI for the purchase of 15%
of Lithium Americas’ share of Cauchari-Olaroz Stage 1 lithium carbonate production at market prices; 

  

	 	•	 	 BCPI will be entitled to one nominee on Lithium Americas’ board of directors and anti-dilution protection
to maintain its proportionate interest in Lithium Americas for a two-year term. 

The Company agreed to increase Ganfeng’s offtake entitlement from 70% to 80% of Lithium Americas’ share of
Cauchari-Olaroz Stage 1 lithium carbonate production in return for one-time waiver of the anti-dilution clause for Bangchak’s investment agreement.EX-4.3

 Exhibit 4.3 

LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 
 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION
AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Background 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”), prepared as of March 27, 2017, should be read in conjunction with
December 31, 2016 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Lithium Americas Corp. (“Lithium Americas”, the “Company”, or “LAC”). These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). All amounts are expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise stated. 

Change in Fiscal Year End 
 The Company
has changed its fiscal year end from September 30 to December 31. The change in year-end is effective December 31, 2016, therefore the transitional fiscal year is the fifteen-month period from
October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016. The Company changed its year end in order to align it with the Joint Venture for reporting and planning purposes as well as to bring its financial reporting timetable in line with the other companies
in the industry. 
 Company Overview 

Lithium Americas is a Canadian based resource company focused on the advancement of two significant lithium projects: the Cauchari-Olaroz
project, located in Jujuy Province of Argentina, and the Lithium Nevada project (formerly the Kings Valley project), located in north-western Nevada, USA, and on the manufacturing and sales of organoclay products from its Fernley, Nevada plant. 

On March 28, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with SQM POTASIO S.A., a subsidiary of Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A.
(“SQM”) to form a 50/50 joint venture (the “Joint Venture”) on the Cauchari-Olaroz project. The Cauchari-Olaroz project is a lithium brine project. The property has been the subject of resource estimation and a feasibility study
in 2012 in which it is reported to host reserves of approximately 2.7 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (“LCE”) at a lithium cut-off grade of 354 milligrams per litre. 

The Joint Venture is governed by a Shareholders Agreement which provides for (i) equal representation by the Company and SQM on its
Management Committee, (ii) unanimous approval by the Company and SQM on budgets and timing of expenditures, (iii) the right to purchase a 50% share of the production and (iv) buyout and termination provisions in the event that SQM
chooses not to proceed with the project. 
 The Lithium Nevada project is a clay-based lithium project and has been the subject of extensive
exploration and processing development work. The Company has recently increased its technical team and is currently advancing permitting and exploration in addition to investigation of innovative lithium extraction and processing technologies that
build on previous successful piloting studies for this project. 
 The Company is advancing both of its lithium projects with the intention
of delivering lithium products for the growing lithium ion battery sector. Lithium Americas intends to make its lithium business a significant contributor to the global lithium supply chain. 

In addition, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary RheoMinerals Inc. (“RheoMinerals”) operates an organoclay plant located in
Fernley, Nevada, USA and manufactures specialty organoclay products (“RheoMinerals products”), derived from clays. RheoMinerals products are used by the oil and gas industry as specialty viscosifier additives for drilling fluids and in
other sectors. 
 The Company’s head office is located at Suite 1100-355 Burrard Street,
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 2G8. The Company trades in Canada on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “LAC” and in the US on OTCQX under the symbol “LACDF”. The Company operates in the United States through its wholly owned
subsidiaries, Lithium Nevada Corp. (formerly Western Lithium Corp.) and RheoMinerals Inc. (formerly Hectatone Inc.) and in Argentina through a Joint Venture company Minera Exar S.A. (“Minera Exar”) Additional information relating to the
Company is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 
  

  
 1 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Description of Business 

Cauchari-Olaroz Project, Jujuy Province, Argentina 

The Joint Venture with SQM began to advance the Cauchari-Olaroz project immediately after the closing of the transaction on March 28,
2016, and the operating team is continuing to progress the work plan. The Joint Venture is strongly committed to advancing the Cauchari-Olaroz project as expediently as possible. Local investment has already started with plans to scale up when the
project is approved for the construction phase. 
 The Joint Venture has designed a hydrological exploration program and advanced an updated
feasibility study on the project. Testing of liner materials and native berm materials is on-going. Various combinations of different materials and liner configurations are being tested in ten ponds to
optimize the technical and economic design and performance. Topographical mapping has been completed defining materials characteristics in different areas of the project, and testing of native soil for berm construction are underway to validate the
optimal construction methodology. A second series of tests in soil mechanics are underway to determine the geotechnical foundation characteristics. Construction of the project roads and 14 well drilling platforms has been completed. The camp has
been expanded with modular accommodations to house approximately 70 people. The Joint Venture currently employs 84 of which 39 are from the communities surrounding the project area, 35 are from other areas of the Jujuy Province and 10 are from other
provinces. 
 Updated Feasibility Study 

An updated feasibility study on the Cauchari-Olaroz Project (“Stage 1 DFS”), covering an initial 25,000 TPA (“tonnes per
annum”) of lithium carbonate production capacity (“Stage 1”) is substantially complete and the Company anticipates being ready to disclose the full results of that study shortly following the filing of this report. The Company has
confirmed that the feasibility study for Stage 1 will include the following: 
  

	 	•	 	 The project capital cost estimate for the construction of Stage 1 is expected to be approximately
US$425million before value-added and other applicable taxes; 

  

	 	•	 	 The operating cost estimate will be at the low end of the cost curve compared to producing lithium operations;

  

	 	•	 	 A solar evaporation application for brine pre-concentration, lime
treatment of pre-concentrate brine for magnesium chloride precipitation, and additional precipitation/solar evaporation ponds to concentrate the feed to process plant; 

 

	 	•	 	 The lithium carbonate plant including impurities removal stages to produce battery grade lithium carbonate;

  

	 	•	 	 No facilities for production of potassium chloride in consideration of low market price of this product;

  

	 	•	 	 The parties expect to be in a position to commence construction in the first half of 2017;

  

	 	•	 	 The construction schedule is estimated at two years, and the production ramp up includes 2 years to reach full
production due to brine conditioning requirements; and 

  

	 	•	 	 During the construction period, Minera’s direct employment in the province of Jujuy is estimated to be at
least 800 people; once in operation, Minera is expected to employ approximately 300 people in permanent positions. 

Lithium Americas will be responsible for contributing 50% of capital expenditures for development of the project, amounting to approximately
US$212.5 million based on the Stage 1 DFS, before taxes and working capital. 
 The Company expects that Jujuy will become an important
center for the production of lithium. Jujuy Province officials and the representatives of federal government have indicated strong support. The project is expected to provide many benefits to the local communities in terms of employment and supply
contracts. 
  

  
 2 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Political and Economic Changes in Argentina 

The Argentine economy underwent significant positive changes in late 2015 and early 2016 as a result of measures that the new government has
taken to reduce or remove controls and restrictions on capital flows. Since taking office in December 2015, President Mauricio Macri has moved swiftly to appoint a business-friendly cabinet and implement a series of major fiscal, political and
regulatory policy measures. President Macri lifted foreign exchange controls that had been in place since 2011, and abolished export taxes on many agricultural and industrial goods, including lithium. 

Lithium Nevada Project, Nevada, USA 

The Company is advancing its lithium project to extract lithium from its clay at its Lithium Nevada project. During the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2016, the Company completed the most recent pilot plant program at its demonstration plant in Germany. This work has greatly increased the Company’s understanding of the processing and engineering requirements for the
production of lithium products from the Lithium Nevada project. In light of the recent results, the Company has determined that additional engineering work will be required to optimize the process for commercial scale lithium hydroxide monohydrate
production. In addition, the Company has become aware of recent technological advancements in lithium processing methods, and believes these innovative and sustainable technologies warrant further review for potential incorporation into the Lithium
Nevada processing plant design. As a result of these additional reviews, the Company determined that its pre-feasibility study completed in March 2012 is no longer current and the Company will no longer be
relying on the study for its project development planning. 
 In June 2016, the Company filed on Sedar an updated 43-101 technical report on Lithium Nevada project and reported that mineral resource estimates remained unchanged from the mineral resource estimates disclosed in the prior technical report. 

The Company is in the process of determining the optimal path to advance the Lithium Nevada. There is strong local and national support from
both commercial and political bases to advance a Nevada based project and a clear and well-defined permitting process exists. Lithium Americas shares the vision of making Nevada a center of renewable energy and sustainable mining technologies. The
Company is committed to advancing the Lithium Nevada project on the fastest timetable possible, as dictated by further studies and market conditions, additional engineering work and pursuing strategic partnership opportunities to advance the project
on a timely basis. 
 RheoMinerals Business 

The organoclay plant, operated by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary RheoMinerals, is located in Fernley, Nevada, was considered to be
completed and ready for intended use on April 1, 2016. Accordingly, sales and costs of sales are recorded in respect of these operations commencing April 1, 2016. Prior to April 1, 2016, sales of organoclay product amounted to
US$0.7 million and have been accounted for as a reduction of the capitalized costs of organoclay plant property, plant and equipment. From April 1 to December 31, 2016 the Company reported US$1.2 million in organoclay sales. 

In addition to clays for use in the oil and gas sector, RheoMinerals is a certified vendor with a Fortune 500 industrial group to sell its
products internationally to the animal feed market as mycotoxin binders. RheoMinerals is also collaborating with industry participants on a specialty organophilic clay product for environmental applications. The product will service the existing
market to remove organic compounds from industrial wastewater effluent. 
 During the fifteen months ended December 31, 2016,
RheoMinerals entered into a Technical Assistance and Royalty Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Delmon Co. Ltd., part of The Delmon Group of Companies (“Delmon”) in Saudi Arabia. Delmon has business interests spanning wide market
segments of products and services, and is a leading local supplier of oilfield minerals and chemicals to Saudi Aramco. Under this agreement, RheoMinerals will collaborate with Delmon in the design and construction of a manufacturing facility (the
“Delmon Plant”) for specialty additives used in oil based drilling fluids. The initial product offering will include organophilic bentonite and organophilic lignite products. RheoMinerals will receive US$1.2 million in progress
payments upon Delmon achieving certain construction and operational milestones in addition to the reimbursements of expenses and costs of technical personnel. During the fifteen months ended December 31, 2016, RheoMinerals received
US$0.3 million from Delmon, which was recorded in other income. Under the Agreement, RheoMinerals will also receive royalties from the future Delmon Plant production. Delmon expects to commission the new facility in 2018. 

 

  
 3 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 In April 2016, RheoMinerals entered into a strategic alliance with TOLSA, S.A.
(“TOLSA”), a global leader in the specialized clay sectors. RheoMinerals and TOLSA have signed a non-exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) for the purpose of forming a strategic
alliance to collectively pursue growth opportunities in the global clay minerals markets. The MOU contemplates a number of areas of collaboration, including manufacturing of high purity hectorite-based products. 

Significant Events from the Start of Fiscal Year to Date 
  

	 	•	 	 In February 2017, the Company announced the expected capital expenditures for the construction of Stage 1 of
Cauchari-Olaroz project, amounting to approximately US$210–US$215 million for the Company`s contribution to the Joint Venture before taxes and working capital. 

 

	 	•	 	 In January 2017, the Company announced investment agreements totalling US$286 million: 

 

	 	•	 	 the Company signed an investment agreement with GFL International Co., Ltd. (“Ganfeng”) for funding
to advance the construction of the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium project. Pursuant to the agreement, Ganfeng has agreed to financing terms in an aggregate amount of US$174 million in exchange for 19.9% of the outstanding common shares of Lithium
Americas pro-forma; the right to buy a fixed portion of the lithium carbonate production from the Cauchari-Olaroz project; and a US$125 million project debt facility. Subsequently the Company received
CDN$9.6 million from the initial common share subscription contemplated under the investment agreement with Ganfeng and issued 11,250,000 common shares at a price of CDN$0.85 per share. 

 

	 	•	 	 the Company signed an investment agreement with The Bangchak Petroleum Public Company Limited
(“Bangchak”) for funding to advance the construction of the Cauchari-Olaroz project. Pursuant to the agreement, Bangchak has agreed to financing terms in an aggregate amount of US$112 million in exchange for increasing its ownership
stake to 16.4% of the outstanding common shares of Lithium Americas pro-forma; the right to buy a fixed portion of the lithium carbonate production from the Cauchari-Olaroz project; and a US$80 million
project debt facility; 

  

	 	•	 	 In November 2016, RheoMinerals entered into a Technical Assistance and Royalty Agreement with Delmon.

  

	 	•	 	 In June 2016, the Company filed an updated National Instrument 43-101
technical report dated May 31, 2016 on the Lithium Nevada project. In the report, the authors confirm the mineral resource estimates on the Stage I Lens and Stage II Lens remain unchanged from the mineral resource estimates disclosed in prior
technical report. 

  

	 	•	 	 In April 2016, RheoMinerals entered into a strategic alliance with TOLSA, a global leader in the specialized
clay sectors. 

  

	 	•	 	 In March 2016, the Company entered into agreements with SQM to form the Joint Venture on the Cauchari-Olaroz
project. SQM contributed US$25 million in exchange for a 50% equity interest in Minera Exar. SQM is a world leader in lithium production with decades of development and operating experience and a strong technical and commercial team.

  

	 	•	 	 In December 2015, the Company announced that Bangchak had agreed to convert its subscription receipts into
common shares of the Company and release from escrow to the Company the final tranche of US$3.5 million. This transaction brought the total investment by Bangchak into the common shares of the Company to US$5 million.

  

	 	•	 	 In December 2015, the Company completed the US$5 million Line of Credit Agreement with its largest
shareholder, Geologic Resource Partners LLC. The Company did not draw down any funds under this facility, paid no interest and cancelled the facility post completion of the Joint Venture with SQM. 

  
 4 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Selected Financial Information 

The following selected financial information is presented in thousands of US dollars, shares in thousands, unless otherwise stated and
except per share amounts. 
 Selected Annual Financial Information 

The following table provides a brief summary of the Company’s financial operations for the fifteen months ended December 31, 2016
(“FY 2016”), and for the years ended September 30, 2015 (“FY 2015”) and September 30, 2014 (“FY 2014”). For more detailed information, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements for the FY 2016, FY
2015, and FY 2014 which can be found on the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com). 
  

													
	  	  	Fifteen months
ended December 31,
2016	 	  	Year ended
September 30,
2015	 	  	Year ended
September 30,
2014	 
	
Expenses
	  	 	17,612	 	  	 	6,603	 	  	 	6,597	 
	 Net
loss
	  	 	(27,724	) 	  	 	(7,555	) 	  	 	(1,300	) 
	
Comprehensive loss
	  	 	(28,945	) 	  	 	(8,121	) 	  	 	(1,608	) 
	 Loss per
share – basic and diluted
	  	 	(0.09	) 	  	 	(0.06	) 	  	 	(0.01	) 
	 Total
assets
	  	 	45,301	 	  	 	68,541	 	  	 	24,354	 
	
Total long-term financial liabilities
	  	 	(1,072	) 	  	 	(1,411	) 	  	 	(1,356	) 

 The comparative September 30, 2015 and 2014 periods in the table are for twelve months and are not
comparable to the fifteen months period ended December 31, 2016 due to the change in fiscal year end from September 30 to December 31, effective 2016. 

Items that resulted in significant differences in the annual figures presented above are explained in the following narrative: 

Expenses 
 Higher operating expenses in FY
2016 compared to FY 2015, were mostly due to the increases of $2,626 in non-cash stock-based compensation expense, $1,361 in exploration expenditures, $3,987 in the Company’s share of loss in the Joint
Venture formed on March 28, 2016, and $2,933 increase in general and administrative expenses due to an increase in corporate activities discussed in results of operation for the fifteen months ended December 31, 2016. 

Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss 
 The
total net loss in FY 2016 includes loss realized on organoclay sales of $1,467 (FY 2015 - $Nil), convertible security accretion of $806 (FY 2015 - $748), foreign exchange gain of $351 (FY 2015 – loss of $284) due to a stronger US$ in 2016, and
other income of $825. The Company realized a loss of $9,015 on the sale of a 50% of its equity interest in Minera Exar to SQM mainly due to $15,098 of cumulative amount of exchange differences (“CTA”) in Minera Exar. 

The comprehensive loss in FY 2015 includes an unrealized loss on the translation to reporting currency of $566 mainly due to the US$,
Argentinian pesos, and Euro exchange rate fluctuations and convertible security accretion of $748 recorded as financing expense. 
 FY 2014
net loss was positively impacted by gains on the royalty sale of $5,088. The Company reported unrealized losses on translation to reporting currency of $308 in 2014. 
  

  
 5 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Total Assets 

The Company’s total assets decreased by $23,240 in FY 2016 compared to FY 2015 mainly due to the sale of $50% of its equity interest in
Minera Exar to SQM on the formation of the Joint Venture in March 2016. The Company received $3,500 from the financing activities, $806 from stock options exercises, and $1,150 from warrants exercises, and repaid its convertible security balance of
$1,653. 
 The Company’s total assets increased by $44,187 in FY 2015 compared to FY 2014 mainly due to $9,985 proceeds from the
financing activities and an increase in exploration and evaluation assets due to the $41,916 acquisition of the Cauchari-Olaroz project for shares offset by operating expenses of $5,885. 

Long-term Liabilities 
 Long-term
liabilities on December 31, 2016, were comprised of an $833 (2015 - $988) mortgage on the RheoMinerals Fernley plant purchased in 2013, obligations under finance leases of $69 (2015 – $123), and a decommissioning provision liability of
$170 (2015 - $300). In March 2016, upon the Joint Venture formation, the Company derecognized a $130 decommissioning liability related to the Cauchari –Olaroz project. In FY 2015, the Company leased additional equipment for RheoMinerals plant
in Fernley and recorded a $130 decommissioning provision liability related to the Cauchari-Olaroz project. 
 Results of Operations – Fifteen Months
Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to the Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2015 
 Expenses 

In FY 2016, the Company reported total comprehensive loss of $28,945 compared to a total comprehensive loss of $8,121 in FY 2015, of which
$1,467 (FY 2015 - $Nil) is attributable to loss realized on organoclay sales, $17,612 (FY 2015 - $6,603) expenses, which are discussed below, $8,645 loss (FY 2015 - $952) to other items, and $15,098 of accumulated foreign exchange losses related to
Minera Exar, which were reclassified from other comprehensive income into profit or loss and formed part of a loss on sale of the 50% interest in Minera Exar. 

Exploration expenditures of $3,448 (FY 2015 – $2,087) include $2,472 (FY 2015 - $1,822) for the Lithium Nevada project, and $976 (FY 2015
- $101) for the Cauchari-Olaroz project incurred until the formation of Joint Venture. Included in the Lithium Nevada expenditures is $1,086 (FY 2015 - $1,225) related to the lithium demonstration plant. The $650 increase in exploration expenditures
for the Lithium Nevada project was mostly due to hiring new employees and increase in activities. Exploration expenditures related to the lithium demonstration plant decreased due to timing of the campaigns. 

Share-based compensation expense of $3,193 (FY 2015 - $567) is a non-cash expense and represents the
estimated fair value of stock options and restricted shares vested during FY 2016 and FY 2015. Included in the total are $1,682 share-based payment expenses related to restricted shares (FY 2015 - $Nil) and $1,511 (FY 2015 - $567) share –based
payment expenses related to stock options. The increase in this category was due to new stock options grants and restricted shares awards to the Company’s employees and officers. 

Included in General and Administrative expenses of $6,448 (FY 2015 - $3,515): 

 

	 	•	 	 Marketing expenses of $875 (2015 - $538) include salaries, bonuses, and expenses incurred for the marketing of
RheoMinerals products. 

  

	 	•	 	 Office expenses of $741 (FY 2015 - $604) includes Vancouver, Reno, and Toronto office rent, insurance, IT,
depreciation expense, telephone, and other related expenses and RheoMinerals general office expenses. 

  
 6 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

	 	•	 	 Professional fees of $886 (FY 2015 - $333) consist of legal fees of $411 (FY 2015 – $125), consulting
fees of $294 (FY 2015 - $119), public relations fees of $69 (FY 2015 - $24), and accounting fees of $111 (FY 2015 - $65). The increase in all categories is due to an increase in corporate activities. 

 

	 	•	 	 Salaries and benefits of $2,619 (FY 2015 - $1,460) were higher mainly due to an increase in a number of
employees as a result of the merger of Western Lithium and Lithium Americas in September 2015 and increase in activities. Included in 2015 salaries and benefits were bonuses paid at the end of 2014. 

 

	 	•	 	 Increase in all other general and administrative expenses categories disclosed in Note 11 of the
Company’s audited financial statements for for the fifteen months period ended December 31, 2016, was due to an increase in corporate activities. 

The Company realized a loss of $9,015 on the sale of 50% of its interest in Minera Exar to SQM on the formation of the Joint Venture mainly
due to $15,098 of cumulative exchange differences (“CTA”) in Minera Exar which were recycled to the statement of loss. 
 During
FY 2016, the Company recorded a reduction of its Cauchari-Olaroz project acquisition cost of $14,874 due to a change in foreign currency exchange rate with a corresponding increase in other comprehensive loss. The Company sold 50% of equity interest
in Minera Exar to. Upon sale, the entire amount of CTA was reclassified from other comprehensive loss to profit and loss (see description under “Expenses and Net Loss” above). 

During FY 2016, the Company recorded $806 (FY 2015 - $748) convertible security accretion cost. 

Included in other income during FY2016 are $300 proceeds received under the Delmon Agreement, $544 write off of the previously recorded
provision for settlement of liability with the Company’s former officer, net of related legal and administrative costs. 
 Summary of Selected
Assets and Quarterly Results 
  

																																	
	  	  	2016	 	 	2015	 
	  	 Q5

$
	 	 	 Q4

$
	 	 	 Q3

$
	 	 	 Q2

$
	 	 	 Q1

$
	 	 	 Q4

$
	 	 	 Q3

$
	 	 	 Q2

$
	 
	 Total assets
	  	 	45,301	 	 	 	50,537	 	 	 	53,845	 	 	 	57,664	 	 	 	57,876	 	 	 	68,541	 	 	 	27,572	 	 	 	20,072	 
	 Exploration and evaluation assets
	  	 	1,447	 	 	 	1,444	 	 	 	1,010	 	 	 	1,010	 	 	 	31,361	 	 	 	42,623	 	 	 	508	 	 	 	508	 
	 Investment in Joint Venture
	  	 	13,136	 	 	 	16,074	 	 	 	17,673	 	 	 	18,163	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 
	 Property, plant and equipment
	  	 	18,502	 	 	 	18,618	 	 	 	18,862	 	 	 	19,164	 	 	 	18,932	 	 	 	18,713	 	 	 	18,383	 	 	 	17,892	 
	 Working capital
	  	 	8,593	 	 	 	11,260	 	 	 	13,384	 	 	 	13,667	 	 	 	2,532	 	 	 	840	 	 	 	4,595	 	 	 	427	 
	 Organoclay sales
	  	 	534	 	 	 	452	 	 	 	168	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 
	 Organoclay sales capitalized during the
development stage
	  	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	156	 	 	 	307	 	 	 	99	 	 	 	126	 	 	 	—  	 	 	 	—  	 
	 Expenses
	  	 	(5,308	) 	 	 	(3,651	) 	 	 	(3,276	) 	 	 	(2,742	) 	 	 	(2,707	) 	 	 	(1,546	) 	 	 	(1,263	) 	 	 	(1,461	) 
	 Net loss for the period
	  	 	(5,598	) 	 	 	(3,723	) 	 	 	(3,766	) 	 	 	(11,365	) 	 	 	(3,272	) 	 	 	(2,202	) 	 	 	(1,419	) 	 	 	(1,569	) 
	 Basic loss per common share
	  	 	(0.01	) 	 	 	(0.01	) 	 	 	(0.01	) 	 	 	(0.03	) 	 	 	(0.01	) 	 	 	(0.06	) 	 	 	(0.01	) 	 	 	(0.01	) 
	 Diluted loss per common share

 
	  	 	(0.01	) 	 	 	(0.01	) 	 	 	(0.01	) 	 	 	(0.03	) 	 	 	(0.01	) 	 	 	(0.06	) 	 	 	(0.01	) 	 	 	(0.01	) 
	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

 Quarterly amounts added together may not equal to the total reported for the period due to rounding or
reclassifications. 

  
 7 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Total Assets 

The Company’s total assets decreased by $5,236 in Q5 2016 compared to Q4 2015 mostly due to expenses, decrease in payable and accrued
liabilities, offset by the $300 proceed received from Delmon. 
 The Company’s total assets increased by $40,969 in Q4 2015 compared to
Q3 2015 mainly due to the acquisition costs of $41,665 allocated to the Cauchari-Olaroz project as a result of Lithium Americas and Western Lithium merger in September 2015. 

The Company’s total assets increased by $7,500 in Q3 2015 compared to Q2 2015 due to net proceeds of $5,827 from a bought deal offering,
net proceeds of $2,613 from a convertible security financing, offset by cash expenses of $1,159. 
 Exploration and Evaluation Assets 

In Q2 2016, the decrease of $30,351 in exploration and evaluation assets was mainly due to the declining Argentinian Peso and accounting for
the Joint Venture with SQM. 
 In Q1 2016, the significant decrease of $11,262 in exploration and evaluation assets is mostly due to the
decline in the carrying amount of the Company’s Cauchari-Olaroz project due to the significant foreign exchange rate fluctuation for Argentinian pesos. 

In Q4 2015, the Company recorded additions of $41,665 net of $251 for foreign exchange differences for the acquisition of the Cauchari-Olaroz
project. 
 Investment in Joint Venture 

The increase in the investment in the Joint Venture in Q2 2016 is due to the completion of the transaction with SQM which closed on
March 28, 2016. 
 Property, Plant and Equipment 

Most of the Company’s property, plant and equipment amounts relate to the RheoMinerals organoclay plant. The plant was constructed during
2014 and considered to be completed and ready for use on April 1, 2016. Sales and costs of sales for the organoclay plant are recorded commencing April 1, 2016. 

Working Capital 
 The decrease in working
capital of $2,667 in Q5 2016 was mostly due to general and administrative expenses and change in accounts payable. 
 The increase in
working capital of $11,135 in Q2 2016 is mostly attributable to the $13,333 receivable from the Joint Venture, which was formed on March 28, 2016. 

The decrease in working capital of $3,755 in Q4 2015 was mostly due to addition of consolidated negative net working capital as a result of
Western Lithium and Lithium Americas merger partially offset by net proceeds of $1,330 from a subscription receipts financing. 
 The
increase in working capital in Q3 2015 was mostly due to the net proceeds of $5,891 from a bought deal offering. 

  
 8 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Organoclay Sales 

The Company started to recognize organoclay sales on April 1, 2016, upon the organoclay plant achieving intended use status. 

Expenses and Net Loss 
 The increase in
the Company’s expenses in Q5 2016, compared to Q4 2016 was mostly due to increase in consulting fees, legal expenses, marketing, and wages and salaries due to an increase in corporate activities and increase in the number of employees. The
increase in the Company’s expenses in Q4 2016 ,Q3 2016, and the quarter ended December 31, 2016, compared to other quarters was primarily due to the Company’s share of loss in Joint Venture, which was formed on March 28, 2016.
The increase in the Company’s share of loss in the Joint Venture from quarter to quarter was due to the increase of exploration activities on the Cauchari-Olaroz project. 

In Q2 2016, the Company realized a loss of $8,979 on the sale of a 50% of its equity interest in Minera Exar to SQM mainly due to $15,098 of
cumulative exchange differences (“CTA”) in Minera Exar. 
 In Q1 2016 expenses increased by $1,161 mainly due to the increase in
exploration expenditures in Nevada and Argentina. 
 Results of Operations – Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 

For the three months ended December 31, 2016, the Company reported a loss of $5,598 compared to a loss of $2,202 for the three months
ended September 30, 2015, of which $855 loss (Q4 2015 - $Nil) is attributed to organoclay sales, $5,309 (Q4 2015 - $1,546) is attributed to expenses, gain of $566 (Q4 2015 - $656 loss) is attributed to other items discussed in the summary of
the quarterly results. 
 Organoclay Sales and Cost of Sales 

Organoclay plant was considered to be completed and ready for intended use on April 1, 2016. Accordingly, the Company started recording
sales and costs of sales in respect of these operations in the statement on comprehensive loss commencing April 1, 2016. The organoclay sales revenue in Q5 2016 were $534 (Q4 2015-$Nil) and related production costs of $800 (Q4 2015 - $Nil) ,
depreciation expense of $289 (Q4 2015 - $Nil), and inventory write down of $300 (Q4 2015 - $Nil) resulting in gross loss from organoclay sales of $855 (Q4 2015 - $Nil). The Company is a new entrant in the organoclay business and is continuing to
receive new sales orders for the existing products and certifications of the new products. The financial results of the organoclay business are expected to improve in the future with the anticipated higher volume of products in 2017. 

Expenses 
 Exploration expenditures of
$559 (Q4 2015 – $515) incurred for the Lithium Nevada project and include $49 (Q4 2015 - $205) in costs for the lithium demonstration plant. 

Organoclay research and development costs are consistent from period to period and include costs of operating a small research team and lab
for new organoclay products development. 
 Loss from the Joint Venture of $2,615 (Q4 2015 - $Nil) represents the Company’s share of
the Joint Venture expenses for the Cauchari-Olaroz project. 

  
 9 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Stock-based compensation of $507 (Q4 2015 - $53) is a
non-cash expense and consists of the $192 estimated fair value of stock options vested during the period and the $315 fair market value of restricted shares. Stock-based compensation expense related to stock
options is accounted for at fair value as determined by the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model using estimates and assumptions that are believed to approximate the volatility of the trading price of the Company’s stock, the expected lives of
awards of stock-based compensation, the fair value of the Company’s stock and the risk-free interest rate. Stock-based compensation expense related to restricted shares is accounted for at fair market value on the date of grant. Stock-based
compensation expense varies from period to period based on the number and valuation of the stock options and restricted shares granted during the period, vesting provisions, and an amortization schedule of previously granted stock options and
restricted shares. 
 Included in General and Administrative expenses of $1,513 (Q4 2015 - $872): 

 

	 	•	 	 Marketing expenses of $216 (Q4 2015 - $171) include salaries, travel expenses, and other miscellaneous
expenses of RheoMinerals marketing staff; 

  

	 	•	 	 Office expenses of $136 (Q4 2015 – $151) include Vancouver, Reno and Toronto office rent, insurance, IT,
telephone and other related expenses and general office expenses; 

  

	 	•	 	 Professional fees of $302 (Q4 2015 - $142) consist of legal fees of $112 (Q4 2015 - $46), consulting fees of
$114 (Q4 2015 - $60), public relations fees of $40 (Q4 2015 - $6), and accounting fees of $36 (Q4 2015 - $30); 

  

	 	•	 	 Salaries and benefits of $575 (Q4 2015 – $300) include salaries and benefits for the Company’s
employees. The increase is due to an increase in a number of employees as a result of increase in activities and the business combination of Western Lithium and Lithium Americas in September 2015. 

Financing expenses were $Nil (Q4 2015 - $644 related to the accretion of the convertible security). In Q3 2016, the Company repaid the
remaining balance of the convertible security note. 
 Liquidity and Capital Resources 

 

									
	  
	 
	Cash Flow Highlights	  	Fifteen months ended December 31,	 
	 	  	 2016

$
	 	  	 2015

$
	 
	 Cash used in operating activities
	  	 	(11,312	) 	  	 	(6,713	) 
	 Cash provided by/(used) in investing activities
	  	 	10,530	 	  	 	(4,294	) 
	 Cash provided by financing activities
	  	 	3,585	 	  	 	9,985	 
	 Effect of foreign exchange on cash
	  	 	(299	) 	  	 	(586	) 
	 Change in cash and cash equivalent
	  	 	2,504	 	  	 	(1,608	) 
	 Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period
	  	 	5,552	 	  	 	7,160	 
	 Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
	  	 	8,056	 	  	 	5,552	 
	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 

 As at December 31, 2016, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $8,056 and working capital of
$8,596 compared to cash and cash equivalents of $5,552 and working capital of $840 on September 30, 2015. 
 In January 2016, the
Company received $3,500 from non-brokered private placement of subscription receipts. 
 In April
2016, the Company received $14,754 from the Joint Venture, net of $246 transaction costs. 
 In June 2016, the Company repaid the remaining
balance of $1,653 related to a convertible security funding agreement. 
  

  
 10 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 The Company will require additional working capital to continue development of its organoclay
business and for further development of its lithium projects. The timing and the amount of RheoMinerals and Lithium Nevada expenditures are within the control of the Company due to its direct and sole ownership. Pursuant to the agreements governing
the Joint Venture on the Cauchari-Olaroz project, decisions regarding capital and operating budgets for the project require unanimous approval. 

The Company’s capital resources are largely determined by the strength of the junior resource markets and by the status of the
Company’s projects in relation to these markets, and its ability to compete for investor support of its projects. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining the required financing to develop its projects. 

Except as disclosed, the Company does not know of any trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will result in, or that are
reasonably likely to result in, its liquidity and capital resources either materially increasing or decreasing at present or in the foreseeable future. Material increases or decreases in liquidity and capital resources are substantially determined
by the success or failure of the exploration and development programs. 
 The Company does not now nor does it expect in the future to
engage in currency hedging to offset any risk of currency fluctuations. 
 Financings 

Bangchak Financing 
 The Company
received $5,000 from a non-brokered private placement of common shares with Bangchak. Pursuant to the placement, $1,500 was received in fiscal year 2015 and $3,500 was received during the FY 2016. 

Convertible Security 
 In May 2015,
the Company received $2,800 under the convertible security funding agreement, net of prepaid interest of $560 and financing fee of $140, and issued a convertible security with a face value of $3,500. The convertible security had a two-year term from the date of issue and incurred a simple prepaid interest rate of 10% on the amount of funding. The Company had provided a second lien on its RheoMinerals plant as a security for the convertible
security. In June 2016, the Company repaid the remaining balance of $1,653 related to convertible security note and removed the second lien on the plant. 

Ganfeng Investment 
 On
January 17, 2017, the Company signed an investment agreement with Ganfeng for funding to advance the construction of the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium project. 

Pursuant to the Ganfeng investment agreement: 
  

	 	•	 	 Ganfeng has agreed to purchase, by way of a private placement, 75,000 common shares at a price of CDN$0.85 per
common share for gross proceeds of CDN$64,000 (US$49,000); 

  

	 	•	 	 Ganfeng will provide to Lithium Americas a US$125,000 project debt facility to be used to fund a portion of
Lithium Americas’ share of Cauchari-Olaroz construction costs. The project debt facility has a term of six years, with an interest rate of 8.0% for the first three years that increases to 8.5% in year four, 9.0% in year five and 9.5% in year
six; 

  

	 	•	 	 Ganfeng and the Company have agreed to terms for an offtake entitlement in favour of Ganfeng for the purchase
of up to 70% of Lithium Americas’ share of Cauchari-Olaroz Stage 1 lithium carbonate production at market prices; 

  

	 	•	 	 Ganfeng will be entitled to one nominee on Lithium Americas’ board of directors and anti-dilution
protection to maintain its proportionate interest in Lithium Americas for a two-year term. 

On January 27, 2017, pursuant to the Ganfeng investment agreement, the Company issued to Ganfeng 11,250 common shares at a price of
CDN$0.85 per share, for an aggregate cash subscription of CDN$9,563. 

  
 11 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Bangchak Investment 

On January 19, 2017, the Company signed an investment agreement with Bangchak for funding to advance the construction of the
Cauchari-Olaroz lithium project. 
 Pursuant to the Bangchak investment agreement: 

 

	 	•	 	 Bangchak has agreed to purchase, by way of a private placement, 50,000 common shares at a price of CDN$0.85
per common share for gross proceeds of C$42,500 (US$32,000); 

  

	 	•	 	 Bangchak will provide to Lithium Americas a US$80,000 project debt facility to be used to fund a portion of
Lithium Americas’ share of Cauchari-Olaroz construction costs. The project debt facility has a term of six years, with an interest rate of 8.0% for the first three years that increases to 8.5% in year four, 9.0% in year five and 9.5% in year
six; 

  

	 	•	 	 Bangchak and the Company have agreed to terms for an offtake entitlement in favour of Bangchak for the
purchase of 15% of Lithium Americas’ share of Cauchari-Olaroz Stage 1 lithium carbonate production at market prices; 

  

	 	•	 	 Bangchak will be entitled to one nominee on Lithium Americas’ board of directors and anti-dilution
protection to maintain its proportionate interest in Lithium Americas for a two-year term. 

The Company agreed to increase Ganfeng’s offtake entitlement from 70% to 80% of Lithium Americas’ share of Cauchari-Olaroz Stage 1
lithium carbonate production in return for one-time waiver of the anti-dilution clause for Bangchak’s investment agreement and subject to completion of the financings contemplated in the Bangchak
investment agreement. 
 Operating Activities 

Cash used in operating activities during FY 2016, was $11,312 compared to $6,713 net cash used during FY 2015. The significant components of
operating activities are discussed in the Results of Operations sections. 
 Investing Activities 

Investing activities provided cash of $10,530 in FY 2016, compared to $4,294 cash used in FY 2015. The cash used in investing activities during
the fifteen months ended December 31, 2016, was mainly for the additions to capital assets of $640 (2015 - $3,858), additions to Lithium Nevada exploration and evaluation assets of $489 (2015 - $502). The Company incurred $72 in legal and
consulting costs and paid $437 accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to the transaction with Lithium Americas. The cash received from investing activities relate to the investment in Joint Venture. 

Investment in Joint Venture 
 On
March 28, 2016, the Company entered into agreements with SQM to form the Joint Venture on the Cauchari-Olaroz project. SQM contributed $25,000 to Minera Exar, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lithium Americas, in exchange for a 50% equity ownership
in Minera Exar. Following receipt of the contribution, Minera Exar repaid loans and advances from Lithium Americas in the amount of $15,000 with the remaining $10,000 to be used by the Joint Venture for certain project development costs. The
$14,754, net of tax payments, was received from Minera Exar in April 2016. In Q2 2016, the Company recorded $8,979 loss on sale of its 50% equity interest in Minera Exar and in Q3 2016 recorded additional related expenses of $36, resulting in a
total loss of $9,015. 
 SQM and the Company entered into an escrow agreement, according to which the Company deposited $2,500 (the
“Escrow Amount”) into an escrow account. Subject to certain provisions, the Escrow Amount will be released to the Company over the three years as follows: $833 on March 28, 2017, $833 on March 28, 2018, and $833 on March 28,
2019. The Escrow Amount can be used to pay certain contingent liabilities of Minera Exar, if any arise, related to the actions prior to the Joint Venture formation. The Company has also provided a guarantee for up to $354 in transaction related
costs in the event that such costs arise in the future. 
  

  
 12 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Financing Activities 

In FY 2016, the Company received cash of $806 (2015 - $202) from the exercise of stock options, $1,150 (2015 - $86) from the exercise of
warrants, repaid the convertible security note of $1,653 (2015 - $Nil), finance leases of $52 (2015 - $36), and long-term borrowing of $147 (2015 - $111). 

In FY 2016, the Company received $3,500 from Bangchak subscription receipt financing and incurred $191 in related costs. Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities related to the subscription receipts financing on December 31, 2016, were $249. 
 Current Share Data 

As at the date of this report, the Company has 315,417 common shares issued and outstanding, 2,254 restricted shares, 47 deferred share units,
15,265 stock options and 9,033 warrants outstanding. 
 Related Party Transactions 

Prior to April 1, 2016 the Company paid its non-executive directors a fee of CDN$25 per year and
an additional CDN$10 per year to the Company’s Audit Committee Chair. Effective April 1, 2016, the Company revised the remuneration of its non-executive directors to a base annual fee of $35 per year
and an additional $5 per year to a Committee Chair, $10 to the Company’s Audit Committee Chair, and $25 to the Company’s Board Chair. In addition, the Company will pay $1 per meeting in cash for Board meetings in excess of six meetings per
year. The fees will be settled through a mixture of cash and the issuance of the deferred share units with each board member obligated to receive a minimum of 50% of all such compensation in deferred share units. 

Minera Exar entered in the following transactions with companies controlled by the family of a director of the Company: 

 

	 	•	 	 Los Boros Option Agreement (see Note 4 in December 31, 2016 financial statements); 

 

	 	•	 	 Construction services for Cauchari-Olaroz project for $2,179 (the Company’s portion is $1,089).

 There were no contractual or other commitments from the related party transactions. The amounts due to related parties
are unsecured, non-interest bearing and have no specific terms for repayment. 
 Contractual Obligations 

As at December 31, 2016, the Company had the following contractual obligations: 

 

																					
	  
	 
	 	  	Not later than
1 year	 	  	 	 	  	 Later than 1 year
and not later than

5 years
	 	  	Later than 5
years	 	  	Total	 
	 	  	$	 	  	 	 	  	$	 	  	$	 	  	$	 
	  
	 
	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 
	 Rent of office spaces
	  	 	149	 	  				  	 	206	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	355	 
	 Promissory note for RheoMinerals plant
	  	 	172	 	  				  	 	861	 	  	 	101	 	  	 	1,134	 
	 Equipment finance leases
	  	 	48	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	72	 	  	 	—  	 	  	 	120	 
	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 
	 Total
	  	 	369	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	1,139	 	  	 	101	 	  	 	1,609	 
	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 

 The Company`s other obligations and commitments related to royalties, option payments and annual fees to the
aboriginal communities are disclosed in Notes 4 and 6 of the Company’s December 31, 2016 audited consolidated financial statements and will only be incurred if the Company continues to hold the subject property, starts production or
exercises purchase option. 
  

  
 13 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Financial Instruments 

Financial assets and liabilities are recognized when the company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial
assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the assets have expired or have been transferred and the company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. 

All of the Company’s financial instruments are classified into one of two categories: loans and receivables, or other financial
liabilities. All financial instruments are initially measured in the statement of financial position at fair value. 
 Subsequent
measurement and changes in fair value will depend on their initial classification. Loans and receivables and other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost. 

Cash and receivables have been designated as loans and receivables and are included in current assets due to their short term nature. The
Company’s other financial liabilities include accounts payable and accrued liabilities, long-term borrowing, convertible security obligation, and obligations under finance leases. Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, convertible security
obligation, and the current portion of long-term borrowing and finance leases that is due within twelve months from the financial statement reporting date are included in current liabilities due to their short-term nature. Long-term borrowing and
obligations under finance leases are included in long-term liabilities due to their long-term nature. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

The Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements related to the exploration and evaluation assets are
disclosed in notes 4 and 6 of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the fifteen month period ended December 31, 2016. The Company’s reclamation bond arrangement is disclosed below. 

Decommissioning Provision and Reclamation Bond 

The Company estimated the carrying value of the liability for decommissioning provision that arose to date as a result of exploration
activities to be $170 for the Lithium Nevada project. The fair value of the liability was determined to be equal to the estimated remediation costs. In May 2014, the Company’s $908 reclamation bond payable to the Bureau of Land Management was
guaranteed by a third-party insurance company upon the issuance of Lithium Nevada clay mine project permit to the Company in 2014. The bond guarantee is renewed annually and secured by the Company’s $150 security deposit. 

Significant Accounting Policies 
 Critical
Accounting Estimates and Judgements 
 The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires judgments,
estimates, and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. Those estimates and assumptions concerning the future may differ from actual results. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other
factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 
 Critical accounting
judgments pertain to accounting policies that have been identified as being complex or involving subjective judgments or assessments, as follows: 
  

  
 14 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 The first test shipment of organoclay products from the Company’s plant in Fernley,
Nevada was in January 2015. Construction, commissioning and testing continued to March 2016. When a project nears the end of construction, management has to exercise judgment to determine the date in which the asset was in the location and condition
necessary to operate as intended by management. The identification of this date is important since it establishes the point in time at which costs cease to be capitalized unless they provide an enhancement to the economic benefits of the asset,
processing costs begin to stabilize, the capitalization of pre-start-up revenue ceases and depreciation of the asset commences. Management determined that the plant was
completed and ready for use on April 1, 2016, accordingly, revenues and costs of sales were recorded commencing April 1, 2016. Prior to April 1, 2016, sales of organoclay products amounted to $688 and were accounted for as a reduction
of the capitalized costs of organoclay plant property, plant and equipment. 
 Exploration and Evaluation Assets 

Exploration expenditures not including the acquisition costs and claim maintenance costs are expensed as incurred until an economic feasibility
study has established the presence of proven and probable reserves and development of the project has commenced, at which time exploration and development expenditures incurred on the property thereafter are capitalized. 

Costs incurred relating to the acquisition and claim maintenance of mineral properties, including option payments and annual fees to maintain
the property in good standing, are capitalized and deferred by property until the project to which they relate is sold, abandoned, impaired or placed into production. After recognition, the Company uses the cost model for exploration and evaluation
assets. 
 The Company assesses its capitalized mineral property costs for indications of impairment on a regular basis and when events and
circumstances indicate a risk of impairment. A property is written down or written off when the Company determines that an impairment of value has occurred or when exploration results indicate that no further work is warranted. 

Although the Company has taken steps to verify title to mineral properties in which it has an interest, these procedures do not guarantee the
Company’s title. Such properties may be subject to prior agreements or transfers, or title may be affected by undetected defects. 
 Property,
Plant and Equipment 
 On initial recognition, property, plant and equipment are valued at cost. Cost includes the purchase price and
directly attributable cost of acquisition or construction required to bring the asset to the location and condition necessary to be capable of operating in the manner intended by the Company, including appropriate borrowing costs. During the
development and commissioning phase, pre-production expenditures, net of incidental proceeds from sales during this period, are capitalized to the asset under construction and equipment. Capitalization of
costs incurred ceases when commercial production commences in the manner intended by management. The Company applies judgment in its assessment of when the asset is capable of operating in the manner intended by management. 

Property, plant and equipment are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation, less any accumulated impairment losses, with
the exception of land which is not depreciated. When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items or major components. 

Property, plant and equipment that are currently in use are depreciated as follows: 

 

	 	•	 	 Organoclay plant – straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 20 years; 

 

	 	•	 	 Buildings – straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 20 years; 

 

	 	•	 	 Organoclay plant equipment included in “Equipment and machinery” – straight line basis over the
estimated life of 5-20 years; 

  
 15 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

	 	•	 	 Lithium demo plant equipment included in “Equipment and machinery” – straight-line basis over
the estimated useful life of 10 years; 

  

	 	•	 	 Office equipment included in “Other” – declining balance method at 20% annual rate; and

  

	 	•	 	 Other equipment included in “Other” – straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 7-15 years. 

 The assets’ residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods
are reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate, at each financial year-end. The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the difference between the sale
proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognized in profit and loss. 
 Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment 

Property, plant and equipment are assessed for impairment indicators at each reporting date. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by
which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds it recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less cost to sell and value in use. Fair value is determined as the amount that would be obtained from the sale
of the asset in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable and willing parties. 
 In assessing value in use, the estimated
future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For the purposes
of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units). These are typically individual mines, plants or development projects. 

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised
estimate of its recoverable amount, but to an amount that does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment
loss is recognized immediately in profit or loss. 
 Investments in Joint Arrangements 

A joint arrangement is a contractual arrangement whereby two or more parties undertake an economic activity that is subject to joint control.
Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control such that significant operating and financial decisions require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. The Company’s joint arrangement is classified as a joint venture
and is accounted for using the equity method. The equity method involves recording the initial investment at cost. When a joint venture is formed from a previous investment in a subsidiary, the Company made a policy choice decision to recognize a
gain or loss on change of control in relation to the portion of the investment no longer owned based upon the carrying value of the assets. Additional funding into an investee is recorded as an increase in the carrying value of the investment. The
carrying amount is adjusted by the Company’s share of a joint venture’s net income or loss, depreciation, amortization or impairment. When the Company’s share of losses of a joint venture exceeds the Company’s carrying value of
the investment, the Company discontinues recognizing its share of further losses. Additional losses are recognized only to the extent that the Company has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the joint venture.

 Stock-Based Compensation 
 The
Company grants stock options to buy common shares of the Company to directors, officers, employees and service providers. The fair value of stock options granted by the Company is treated as compensation costs in accordance with IFRS 2,
Share-based Payment. These costs are charged to the statement of comprehensive (loss)/income over the stock option vesting period. 

  
 16 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Each tranche in an award is considered a separate award with its own vesting period and grant
date fair value. Fair value of each tranche is measured at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation expense is recognized over the tranche’s vesting period based on the number of awards expected to vest, by
increasing contributed surplus. The number of awards expected to vest is reviewed at least annually with any impact being recognized immediately. Where equity instruments are granted to non-employees, they are
recorded at the fair value of the goods or services received in the statement of comprehensive (loss)/income, unless they are related to the issuance of shares. Amounts related to the issuance of shares are recorded as a reduction of share capital.
When the value of goods or services received in exchange for the share-based payment cannot be reliably estimated, the fair value is measured by use of a valuation model. 

Share-based payments 
 During the
fifteen-month period ended December 31, 2016, the Company implemented a new equity incentive plan that allows the grant of restricted shares and deferred share units. The cost of equity-settled payment arrangements is recorded based on the
estimated fair value at the grant date and charged to earning over the vesting period. 
 Revenue 

Organoclay products revenue is recognized when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company, risks and rewards of
ownership are transferred to the customer, delivery has occurred, the sales price is reasonably determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. These criteria are generally met at the time the product is shipped and delivered to the customer
and, depending on the delivery conditions, title and risk have passed to the customer and acceptance of the product, when contractually required, has been obtained. Revenue is measured based on the price specified in the sales contract, net of
discounts, at the time of sale. 
 Risks and Uncertainties 

The Company’s operations and results are subject to a number of different risks at any given time. These factors, include but are not
limited to disclosure regarding exploration, additional financing, project delay, titles to properties, price fluctuations and share price volatility, operating hazards, insurable risks and limitations of insurance, management, foreign country and
regulatory requirements, currency fluctuations and environmental regulations risks. Exploration for mineral resources involves a high degree of risk. The cost of conducting programs may be substantial and the likelihood of success is difficult to
assess. The Company seeks to counter this risk as much as possible by selecting exploration areas on the basis of their recognized geological potential to host economic deposits. 

A summary of the Company’s financial instruments risk exposure is provided in Note 17 of the Company’s December 31, 2016
audited consolidated financial statements. 
 The following are additional risk factors that the Company’s management believes are most
important in the context of the Company’s business. It should be noted that this list is not exhaustive and that other risk factors may apply. Additional risks are disclosed in the Company’s Annual Information Form, which is available on
SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 
 Risks related to resource development 

The Cauchari-Olaroz project and the Lithium Nevada project may not be developed as planned and the Company may not achieve the intended
economic results or commercial viability. 

  
 17 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 The Company’s business strategy depends in large part on developing the Cauchari-Olaroz
project and the Lithium Nevada project into one or more commercially viable mines. Whether a mineral deposit will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, including: (i) the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size,
grade and proximity to infrastructure; (ii) commodity prices, which are highly cyclical; and (iii) government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of mineral
resources, environmental protection and capital and operating cost requirements. Neither of these projects have entered a development stage, and there can be no assurance that the Company will ever develop either one of these projects. If the
Company is unable to develop all or any of its projects into a commercial operating mine, its business and financial condition will be materially adversely affected. 

Market prices for key end-use products will greatly affect the value of the Company and the
ability of the Company to develop the Cauchari-Olaroz project and the Lithium Nevada project. 
 The ability of the Company to
develop the Cauchari-Olaroz project and the Lithium Nevada project will be significantly affected by changes in the market price of lithium-based end products, such as lithium carbonate. The market price of these commodity-based products fluctuates
widely and is affected by numerous factors beyond the Company`s control, including world supply and demand, pricing characteristics for alternate energy sources such as oil and gas, the level of interest rates, the rate of inflation, and the
stability of currency exchange rates. Such external economic factors are influenced by changes in international investment patterns, various political developments and macro-economic circumstances. In addition, the price of lithium products is
determined by their purity and performance. A fluctuation in these product prices may affect the value of the Company and the potential value of its properties. 

The Ganfeng and Bangchak investment agreements transactions may not be completed. 

The Company has entered into the Ganfeng investment agreement and the Bangchak investment agreement, executory contracts that are contemplated
to provide funding to support future development capital costs at the Cauchari-Olaroz project. The investment transactions are not yet complete and there are several conditions that must be met in order for this to occur. In particular, the parties
need to settle definitive forms of agreement for the Ganfeng offtake entitlement, Bangchak offtake entitlement, Ganfeng project debt facility and Bangchak project debt facility; and Ganfeng must obtain Chinese government approvals. There is a risk
that these conditions will not be met on a timely basis or at all, which would mean that one or both transactions will not be completed. If so, LAC would need to source alternate financing for its share of costs on the Cauchari-Olaroz project, which
could delay the project, be on worse terms or not be available at all. 
 There are risks associated with joint venture arrangements. 

The Company and SQM share ownership of the Cauchari-Olaroz project. This arrangement is subject to the risks normally associated with the
conduct of joint ownership structures. The existence or occurrence of one or more of the following circumstances and events could have a material adverse impact on the Company and the viability of its interest in Minera Exar, the holding company
that owns the Cauchari-Olaroz Project, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business prospects, results of operations and financial condition: (i) disagreements with SQM on how to conduct development and operations;
(ii) inability of the parties to meet their obligations under the relevant agreements or to third parties; and (iii) disputes or litigation between the parties regarding budgets, development activities, reporting requirements and other
matters. 
 There is risk to the growth of lithium markets. 

The development of lithium operations at the Cauchari-Olaroz project and the Lithium Nevada project is almost entirely dependent on the
adoption of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and other large format batteries that currently have limited market share and whose projected adoption rates are not assured. To the extent that such
markets do not develop in the manner contemplated by the Company, then the long-term growth of lithium products will be adversely affected, which would inhibit the potential for development of the projects, their potential commercial viability and
would otherwise have a negative effect on the business and financial condition of the Company. 

  
 18 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 There is a risk that LAC will not obtain required government permits and operations
will be limited by government-imposed limitations. 
 Government regulations relating to mineral rights tenure, permission to disturb
areas and the right to operate can adversely affect LAC. The Company may not be able to obtain all necessary licenses and permits that may be required to carry out exploration or mining at the Cauchari-Olaroz project and the Lithium Nevada project.
Obtaining the necessary governmental permits is a complex, time-consuming and costly process. The duration and success of efforts to obtain permits are contingent upon many variables not within the
Company’s control. 
 While LAC holds permits to construct and operate the contemplated Stage 1 of the Cauchari-Olaroz project at
25,000 tpa, any amendments to this mine plan, and increase in production including a Stage 2 expansion, would need to be approved by regulatory authorities in Argentina. At the Lithium Nevada project, the permitting process for lithium mining
operations is incomplete at this time. There can be no assurance that all necessary approvals and permits will be obtained and, if obtained, that the costs involved will not exceed the Company’s prior estimates. It is possible that the costs
and delays associated with the compliance with such standards and regulations could become such that the Company would not proceed with the development of the Cauchari-Olaroz project or the Lithium Nevada project. 

As a result of a review conducted in 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently determined not to list sage-grouse under the
Endangered Species Act. However, the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) finalized a land use plan amendment that helps to conserve greater sage-grouse habitat. The BLM considers the sage-grouse to be a special status species, and has
designated the Lithium Nevada project area as a Priority Habitat Management Area. BLM has also designated the Lithium Nevada Stages 2-5 a Sagebrush Focal Area (“SFA”). SFAs are more sensitive areas
within a Priority Habitat Management Area. The BLM recently initiated steps to withdraw SFA-designated lands from location and entry under the Mining Act, subject to valid existing rights. An immediate
segregation, which lasts up to two years (with an option for a two year extension) until BLM decides whether to make the withdrawal permanent, prohibits the location of any new mining claims in the designated areas. 

As a result, LAC anticipates that it will be required by BLM to implement varying stages of mitigation measures for sage-grouse habitat
throughout any development of its Lithium Nevada project. LAC understands that the BLM can impose conditions on access, project design, and periods of use where needed to limit impacts to sage-grouse habitat. LAC further understands that if it files
notices of intent to operate or applications for plans of operation for Stages 2-5, BLM may require a validity exam for some or all of the mining claims associated with Stages
2-5. Further, due to the requirement of a validity exam in Stages 2-5 areas, there is a risk that development may be subject to time delays or restrictions or mitigation
measures in order to address sage-grouse habitat protection that could compromise the economic viability of future development of the Lithium Nevada project. 

There is technology risk to the development of the Cauchari-Olaroz project and the Lithium Nevada project. 

To the Company’s knowledge, lithium carbonate has never been commercially produced from a smectite hectorite clay resource. While the
Company has conducted extensive testing that has produced high quality lithium carbonate using known industry processes and equipment, the processes contemplated by LAC for production of lithium at the Lithium Nevada project have not yet been
demonstrated at commercial scale and there is a risk that the Company will not be able to do so. With respect to the Cauchari-Olaroz project, similar to solid rock deposits, production from brine-recovery projects may be less than in situ
volume/grade-based estimates. In the case of brine-recovery projects, the primary extractability limitations are related to low permeability zones, from which brine does not readily flow. A possible analogy in solid rock deposits may be high grade
zones for which recovery is not economically feasible due to surrounding lower grade materials, therefore actual production from brine-recovery projects may be less than in situ grades or quantities. 

  
 19 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 The Company may not be able to achieve and manage its expected growth. 

The Cauchari-Olaroz project will likely move to a development stage in the near future, which will require a substantial increase in personnel
and business operations. The transition of a mineral project to a development and operating stage, may place a strain on managerial, financial and human resources. The Company’s ability to succeed in these endeavours will depend on a number of
factors, including the availability of working capital, existing and emerging competition, the ability to recruit and train additional qualified personnel. 

There are political risks associated with the Company’s foreign operations. 

The Company’s properties are located in Argentina and the United States, exposing it to the laws governing the mining industry in those
countries. Changes, if any, in mining or investment policies or shifts in political attitude in any of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates may adversely affect the Company’s operations or profitability. Regardless of the economic
viability of the Company’s interest in the Company’s properties, and despite being beyond the Company’s control, such political changes could have a substantive impact on the Company that may prevent or restrict mining of some or all
of any deposits on the Company’s properties. 
 The Company’s operations in Argentina expose LAC to heightened risks relating to
prevailing political and socioeconomic conditions which have historically included, but are not limited to: high rates of inflation; military repression; social and labour unrest; violent crime; extreme fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
expropriation and nationalization; renegotiation or nullification of existing concessions, licenses, permits and contracts; changes in taxation policies; restrictions on foreign exchange and repatriation; and changing political norms, currency
controls and governmental regulations that favour or require the Company to award contracts in, employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a particular jurisdiction. As an example, in May 2012, the previous government of Argentina re-nationalized Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales, the country’s largest oil and gas company. There can be no assurance that the government of Argentina will not nationalize other
businesses operating in the country, including the business of the Company. 
 The Company has limited history as an exploration
company and does not have any experience in putting a mining project into production. 
 The Company has never completed a mining
development project and does not generate any revenues from mining production. The future development of properties found to be economically feasible will require the construction and operation of mines, processing plants and related infrastructure
and the Company does not have any experience in taking a mining project to production. As a result of these factors, it is difficult to evaluate the Company’s prospects, and the Company’s future success is more uncertain than if it had a
more proven history. In addition, the Company is and will continue to be subject to all the risks associated with establishing new mining operations, including: the timing and cost, which can be considerable, of the construction of mining and
processing facilities; the availability and cost of skilled labour and mining equipment; the need to obtain necessary environmental and other governmental approvals and permits and the timing of the receipt of those approvals and permits; the
availability of funds to finance construction and development activities; potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, indigenous peoples, environmental groups or local groups which may delay or
prevent development activities; and potential increases in construction and operating costs due to changes in the costs of fuel, power, materials and supplies. 

It is common in new mining operations to experience unexpected costs, problems and delays during construction, development and mine start-up. In addition, delays in the early stages of mineral production often occur. Accordingly, the Company cannot provide assurance that its activities will result in profitable mining operations at its mineral
properties. 

  
 20 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Mineral development projects are subject to operational risks. 

The Company’s operations are subject to all of the risks normally incidental to the exploration for and the development and operation of
mineral properties. The Company has implemented comprehensive safety and environmental measures designed to comply with or exceed government regulations and ensure safe, reliable and efficient operations in all phases of its business. Nevertheless,
mineral exploration and exploitation involves a high degree of risk, which even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. Unusual or unexpected formations, formation pressures, fires, power outages,
labour disruptions, flooding, explosions, tailings impoundment failures, cave-ins, landslides and the inability to obtain adequate machinery, equipment or labour are some of the risks involved in mineral
exploration and exploitation activities. 
 Changes in government regulations may affect the Company’s development of the
Cauchari-Olaroz project and the Lithium Nevada project. 
 Changes to government laws and regulations may affect the development of
the Cauchari-Olaroz project and the Lithium Nevada project. Such changes could include laws relating to taxation, royalties, the repatriation of profits, restrictions on production, export controls, environmental and ecological compliance, mine
safety and numerous other aspects of the business. 
 Provincial governments of Argentina have considerable authority over exploration and
mining in their province and there are Argentinean provinces where the provincial government has taken an anti-mining stance by passing laws to curtail or ban mining in those provinces. The recent annual 2016 survey of mining companies, published by
Fraser Institute, lists Jujuy Province as the least favourable mining jurisdiction on its investment attractiveness index. Nevertheless, LAC believes the current provincial government of Jujuy Province, where the Cauchari-Olaroz project is situated,
is supportive of the exploration and mining industry, and the Company and JEMSE, the Jujuy government’s mining Company, have entered into a letter of intent whereby JEMSE will receive an 8.5% equity interest in Minera Exar and is to pay for
this interest from dividends from future profits from operations. Nevertheless, such sentiment and situation may change in the future. 
 Changes to
environmental requirements could significantly increase the Company’s costs. 
 LAC must comply with stringent environmental
regulation in carrying out work on the Cauchari-Olaroz project and the Lithium Nevada project. Environmental regulations are evolving in a manner that is expected to require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. Changes in environmental regulations
and associated agency requirements could delay and/or increase the cost of exploration and development of the Cauchari-Olaroz project and the Lithium Nevada project. 

The Company may not be insured against all risks involved in its business operations. 

In the course of exploration, development and production of mineral properties, certain risks, and in particular, unexpected or unusual
geological operating conditions and other environmental occurrences may occur. It is not always possible to fully insure against such risks and, even where such insurance is available the Company may decide to not take out insurance against such
risks. Should such liabilities arise, they could reduce or eliminate any future profitability and result in increasing costs and a decline in the value of the Company. 

The RheoMinerals business operations are subject to risks and hazards, such as fire and explosion. These risks and hazards may be caused by,
among other things, the explosive suppression systems and technologies which will be used at the Fernley Facility to remove explosive gases. The Company maintains liability insurance in accordance with industry standards, however the nature of these
types of risks is such that liabilities could exceed policy limits and the Company could incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition. 

  
 21 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 There is mineral tenure risk associated with the Lithium Nevada project. 

The Mining Act authorizes the Company to develop and mine the minerals on the claims that form the Lithium Nevada project which are locatable
under the Mining Act. The Mining Act does not explicitly authorize the owner of an unpatented mining claim to sell minerals that are leasable under the Leasing Act, as amended. Leasable minerals include potassium and sodium. The Interior Board of
Land Appeals of the Department of the Interior has held that, under certain circumstances, the owner of an unpatented mining claim has the authority and right to process and sell minerals governed by the Leasing Act, particularly when they are by-products of the processing of minerals which are locatable under the Mining Act. This matter has not yet been definitively determined in respect of the Lithium Nevada Project. 

The Company operates in a highly competitive mining industry. 

The mining industry is competitive in all of its phases, including financing, technical resources, personnel and property acquisition. It
requires significant capital, technical resources, personnel and operational experience to effectively compete in the mining industry. Because of the high costs associated with exploration, the expertise required to analyse a project’s
potential and the capital required to develop a mine, larger companies with significant resources may have a competitive advantage over LAC. The Company faces strong competition from other mining companies, some with greater financial resources,
operational experience and technical capabilities than LAC possesses. 
 The Company also plans to purchase certain supplies and retain the
services of various companies in Argentina to meet its future business plans. It may be difficult to find or hire qualified people in the mining industry who are situated in Argentina or to obtain all of the necessary services or expertise in
Argentina or to conduct operations on its projects at reasonable rates. If qualified people and services or expertise cannot be obtained in Argentina, the Company may need to seek and obtain those services from people located outside of Argentina
which will require work permits and compliance with applicable laws and could result in delays and higher costs to the Company to conduct its operations in Argentina. 

As a result of this competition, the Company may be unable to maintain or acquire financing, personnel, technical resources or attractive
mining properties on terms it considers acceptable. 
 There is a market acceptance risk associated with the RheoMinerals business. 

The success of the RheoMinerals business will depend upon its current and proposed products meeting acceptable cost and performance criteria in
the marketplace. There can be no assurances that the Company’s products will meet applicable price or performance objectives or that unanticipated technical, regulatory or other problems will not occur which would result in increased costs or
material delays. 
 Mineral resources and mineral reserves are only estimates. 

The mineral resource and reserves estimates included in the Company`s Annual Information Form are estimates only. No assurance can be given
that any particular level of recovery of minerals will in fact be realized or that identified mineral reserves or mineral resources will ever qualify as a commercially mineable (or viable) deposit which can be legally and economically exploited. In
addition, the grade of mineralization which may ultimately be mined may differ from that indicated by drilling results and such differences could be material. Production can be affected by such factors as permitting regulations and requirements,
weather, environmental factors, unforeseen technical difficulties, unusual or unexpected geological formations and work interruptions. The estimated mineral resources and reserves described in the Company`s Annual Information Form should not be
interpreted as assurances of commercial viability or potential or of the profitability of any future operations. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these estimates. 

In addition, inferred mineral resources are quoted in the Lithium Nevada technical reports, but these have not been considered in any economic
assessment provided in the prefeasibility study. Inferred mineral resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and economic and legal feasibility. Accordingly, there is no assurance that inferred mineral resources will ever be
upgraded to a higher category. Investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable. 

  
 22 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Failure to maintain continued operation of the Fernley plant would negatively impact the Company’s
business. 
 An interruption in or the loss of operations, or the failure to maintain the labour force at the Fernley plant could
delay or postpone production of the RheoMinerals products, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the Fernley plant is dependent upon critical equipment,
such as extruders, dryers, packing, conveyance systems and a quaternary amine dispenser, and this equipment may incur downtime as a result of unanticipated failures, causing plant shutdowns or periods of reduced production as a result of such
equipment failures. 
 Unexpected production delays due to injury, delay in receiving spare parts for equipment, interruption due to
earthquake, flood or severe weather, delays in supply chain of raw materials, particularly quaternary amine and various clays used in the production process could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations
and financial condition. No assurance can be given that a significant shutdown will not occur in the future or that such a shutdown will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

 RheoMinerals products compete with other materials. 

The use of RheoMinerals products depends in large part on the state of deep well and directional drilling to access deposits of oil and gas. In
the case of certain product applications, RheoMinerals products compete with a number of other materials such as polymers and other competitors of organoclay. Improvements in the technology, production, pricing or acceptance of these competitive
materials relative to RheoMinerals or other changes in the industries for these competitive materials could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. 

The Company relies on third party suppliers for its RheoMinerals business. The Company has taken steps to identify alternative suppliers of
raw materials to reduce these risks, but there can be no guarantee that the Company could secure such alternate supply on a timely basis or for similar costs as currently projected. Any material increase in the cost of these minerals, or the
inability by the Company to source third party suppliers for the supply of these minerals, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. 

In addition, there is ongoing research and technological developments with respect to the various processes associated with the production of
drilling additives and other products for new markets, which have the potential to reduce costs and improve performance. It is possible that certain developments could substantially impair the Company’s competitive position if other companies
implement new technology and the Company does not, or cannot. 
 The Company may face opposition to mining projects. 

The Cauchari-Olaroz project and the Lithium Nevada project, like many mining projects, may have opponents. Opponents of other mining projects
have, in some cases, been successful in bringing public and political pressure against mining projects. In the event there is opposition to Cauchari-Olaroz project and the Lithium Nevada project, the Company’s development of such properties may
be delayed or prevented even if such development is found to be economically viable and legally permissible. 
 The Cauchari and Olaroz salt lakes are
not subject to reservoir management rules. 
 There are no unitization or reservoir management rules governing the salt lakes on
which the Company’s Cauchari-Olaroz project is situated or on any of the other salt lakes at which the Company holds mining or exploration permits. Unitization is the joint, coordinated operation of a reservoir by all the owners of rights in
the separate tracts overlying the reservoir. Without unitized operation of the reservoir, the “rule of capture” results in competitive drilling, extraction and production with consequent economic and physical waste, as each separate owner
attempts to secure his or her “fair share” of the underground resource by drilling more and pumping faster than its neighbour. As a result, the lack of unitization and reservoir management rules on the salt lakes on which the Company
operates may materially adversely affect the Company’s operations and production. 

  
 23 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 The aboriginal communities located on the Cauchari-Olaroz project may not honour the
current surface access agreements with Minera Exar. 
 Minera Exar has entered into six agreements for surface access with the
aboriginal communities located on the exploitation area of the Cauchari-Olaroz project. Should any of the aboriginal communities decide not to honour such agreements, Minera Exar would be required to enforce its statutory access rights under the
provisions of the Argentinean Mining Code; however this would be a disruptive and potentially costly process. In addition, lack of surface access agreements with local communities could affect the renewal of the environmental permits. 

Business risks 
 The Company
has not yet achieved profitable operations and expects to incur further losses in the development of its business. 
 The
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the ability to generate future profitable operations and/or to obtain the necessary financing to meet its obligations and repay its liabilities arising from normal business
operations when they come due. The Company expects to report net losses and comprehensive losses for the financial year ending December 31, 2017. The Company’s business does not currently operate on a self-sustaining basis and its ability
to continue as a going concern is dependent on raising additional funds. 
 The Company will require additional funding, potentially
diluting the holdings of existing shareholders or increasing financial risk through debt issuance. 
 The Company has limited
financial resources and is subject to significant capital requirements associated with its projects. This risk applies regardless of the completion of its currently contemplated financings. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to
obtain sufficient financing in the future on terms acceptable to it. The ability of the Company to arrange additional financing in the future will depend, in part, on prevailing capital market conditions as well as the business performance of the
Company. Failure to obtain additional financing on a timely basis may cause the Company to postpone, abandon, reduce or terminate its operations and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and
financial condition. 
 A likely source of future financing is the sale of additional common shares, which would mean that each existing
shareholder would own a smaller percentage of the common shares then outstanding. Alternatively, the Company may rely on debt financing and assume debt obligations that require it to make substantial interest and capital payments. Also, the Company
may issue or grant warrants or options in the future pursuant to which additional common shares may be issued. Exercise of such warrants or options will result in dilution of equity ownership to the Company’s existing shareholders. 

The Company may also sell a further interest in the Cauchari-Olaroz project, or all or a portion of the Lithium Nevada project or an
additional royalty therein, or may also sell an interest in its RheoMinerals, any of which would mean that each existing shareholder would own a smaller percentage of the Cauchari-Olaroz project, Lithium Nevada project, or RheoMinerals,
respectively. 
 There is intellectual property risk associated with the Company. 

The Company and its subsidiaries rely on the ability to protect their intellectual property rights and depend on patent, trademark and trade
secret legislation to protect its proprietary know-how. There is no assurance that the Company has adequately protected or will be able to adequately protect its valuable intellectual property rights, or will
at all times have access to all intellectual property rights that are required to conduct its business or pursue its strategies, or that the Company will be able to adequately protect itself against any intellectual property infringement claims.
There is also no assurance that our competitors will not be able to develop similar technology, processes or know how independently, that the Company’s trade secrets will not be revealed, that the claims allowed with respect to any current or
future patents pending, or patents now held, will be broad enough to protect the Company’s intellectual property rights, or that foreign intellectual property laws will adequately protect such rights. 

  
 24 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Failure of any intellectual property rights to provide protection to the Company could result
in its competitors offering similar RheoMinerals products or utilizing its lithium extraction process. Any adverse outcome that the Company may experience whilst attempting to obtain, maintain or enforce its intellectual property rights could have a
material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. 
 The Company is dependent on the expertise of
consultants. 
 The Company has relied on, and may continue to rely on, consultants and others for mineral exploration and
exploitation expertise. The Company believes that those consultants are competent and that they have carried out their work in accordance with internationally recognized industry standards. However, if the work conducted by those consultants is
ultimately found to be incorrect or inadequate in any material respect, the Company may experience delays or increased costs in developing its properties. 

The Company has no history of paying dividends. 

LAC has not paid dividends on its Common Shares since incorporation and presently has no ability to generate earnings as its mineral properties
are in the exploration stage. If the Lithium Nevada project or the Cauchari-Olaroz project are successfully developed, the Company anticipates that it will retain future earnings and other cash resources for the future operation and development of
its business. The Company does not intend to declare or pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Payment of any future dividends is solely at the discretion of the Board of Directors, which will take into account many factors including the
Company’s operating results, financial conditions and anticipated cash needs. For these reasons, LAC may never pay dividends. 
 There is no
assurance that the Company will be able to acquire additional mineral properties. 
 There is no assurance that the Company will be
able to acquire other mineral properties of merit, whether by way of option or otherwise, should the Company wish to acquire any properties in addition to the Cauchari-Olaroz project or the Lithium Nevada project. 

The success of the Company is largely dependent on a few key individuals. 

The success of the Company will be largely dependent upon the performance of its key officers, consultants and employees. Locating mineral
deposits depends on a number of factors, not the least of which is the technical skill of the exploration, development and operating personnel involved. Failure to retain key individuals or to attract, and, if attracted, retain additional key
individuals with necessary skills could have a materially adverse impact upon the Company’s success. The Company has not purchased any “key-man” insurance with respect to any of its directors,
officers or key employees and has no current plans to do so. 
 The Company’s business is affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

 Business is transacted by the Company primarily in Canadian, U.S. and Argentinean currencies. Fluctuations in exchange rates may
have a significant effect on the cash flows of the Company. The Argentinean peso has been subject to large devaluations and revaluations in the past and may be subject to significant fluctuations in the future. Future changes in exchange rates could
materially affect the Company’s results in either a positive or negative direction. The Company’s Lithium Nevada project and RheoMinerals business are located in Nevada and most of the property related expenditures, exploration and
development costs are denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company’s Cauchari-Olaroz project is located in Argentina where certain costs are denominated in the Argentinean peso and certain costs are in U.S. dollars. Appreciation of U.S. or
Argentinean currency compared to Canadian currency could make property expenditures more expensive for the Company. While the Company does not engage in foreign exchange hedging it holds a significant portion of its cash balance in U.S. currency in
order to meet its U.S. obligations. 

  
 25 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Conflicts of interest may arise for certain directors and officers of the Company. 

Certain directors and officers of the Company are, or may become, associated with other natural resource companies which may give rise to
conflicts of interest. In accordance with the British Columbia Business Corporations Act, directors who have a material interest in any person who is a party to a material contract or a proposed material contract with the Company are required,
subject to certain exceptions, to disclose that interest and generally abstain from voting on any resolution to approve the contract. In addition, directors and the officers are required to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best
interests of the Company. 
 The Company does not have any long term contracts and significant customers. 

Other than the distribution agreement with Raw Materials Corporation, the Company has not entered into any long term contracts for its
RheoMinerals products, and therefore, has no assured sources of revenue. While off-take contracts are contemplated as part of the investment transactions with Ganfeng and Bangchak, there is no assurance they
will be completed. These agreements also include purchasing discretion by the off-taker. 
 The Company’s
share price is subject to market volatility. 
 The market price of a publicly traded stock, especially a resource issuer such as
LAC, is affected by many variables in addition to those directly related to exploration successes or failures. Such factors include the general condition of markets for resource stocks, the strength of the economy generally, the availability and
attractiveness of alternative investments, and the breadth of the public markets for the stock. Therefore, investors could suffer significant losses if the Company’s shares are depressed or illiquid when an investor seeks liquidity. 

There may be difficulties in conducting business in Argentina through a foreign subsidiary. 

The Company conducts its business in Argentina through its Argentinean subsidiary, Minera Exar. Any limitation on the transfer of cash or other
assets between the Company and the Argentinean subsidiary or the perception that such limitation may exist now or in the future, could have an adverse impact on the Company’s valuation and the price of its common shares. 

New Accounting Standards and Recent Pronouncements 

The Company has not yet adopted IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement, which have been published, but is
effective January 1, 2018, IFRS 15-Revenue from Contracts with Customers which is effective on or after January 1, 2018 and IFRS 16 – Leases, which is effective on or after January 1, 2019.

 Investor Relations 
 Tom Hodgson,
CEO, and John Kanellitsas, President and Vice-Chairman coordinate investor relations’ activities for the Company. 
 Changes in Directors and
Management 
 On August 11, 2016, the Company announced that Myron Manternach joined the Company as Executive Vice President,
Finance and Corporate Development. Mr. Manternach has over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and investment management. He worked as an investment banker at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and as an analyst
and manager of global alternative investment funds with significant experience in natural resources and emerging market credit and equity. Most recently he was a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager of Ambac Assurance Corp., a subsidiary
of Ambac Financial Group. He is a chairman of Wellgreen Platinum Ltd. and was previously a director of Lithium Americas Corp. prior to its merger with Western Lithium. Mr. Manternach holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering with distinction
from Iowa State University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. 
 On June 30, 2016 Mr. Silvio
Bertolli retired from his position of Senior VP Project Development. His responsibilities were assumed by recently hired Dr. David S. Deak. 

  
 26 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 On May 2, 2016, the Company announced that Dr. David S. Deak joined the
Company as Chief Technical Officer (“CTO”) and Senior Vice President, and President of Lithium Nevada Corp. Dr. Deak holds a D.Phil. in Materials Science from Oxford University and is well-known within the lithium and battery
materials industry. He has diverse experience, predominantly in technology development and commercial roles. Most recently, he led strategic development projects focused on battery manufacturing and supply chain activities, including lithium supply.

 On March 30, 2016, the Company announced the re-election of Thomas Hodgson, George Ireland,
John Kanellitsas, John Macken, and Franco Mignacco to the Board of Directors and the appointment of three new Directors, Nicole Adshead-Bell, Gabriel Marcelo Rubacha and Lenard F. Boggio. Jay Chmelauskas, William Haldane, B. Matthew Hornor and Terry
Krepiakevich resigned from the board and withdrew their names as nominees for election as directors. 
 On March 22, 2016,
Mr. Kanellitsas was appointed as President of the Company effective March 30, 2016. 
 On November 17, 2015, George R.
Ireland, a well-respected geologist and the President and CEO of Geologic Resource Partners LLC, and the Company’s largest shareholder, joined the Board of Directors. Mr. Ireland filled the vacancy created by the recent untimely passing of
Ed Flood, also a geologist and investment manager, and one of the founders of Western Lithium. 
 The Company also announced that after a
comprehensive review of the newly combined businesses, the Board of Directors restructured the senior management team aimed at accelerating development of the Company’s projects in Argentina and the U.S. Tom Hodgson, with more than 30 years of
senior executive experience and a director of Lithium Americas, was appointed CEO and John Kanellitsas, an experienced business executive was appointed Vice Chairman. 

Interest of Experts 
 All technical and
scientific information discussed in this report in respect of the Cauchari-Olaroz Project has been reviewed and approved by Ernest Burga, a consultant of the Company, who is considered, by virtue of his education, experience and professional
association, a QP for the purposes of NI 43-101. 
 Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its
annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by securities regulators and include controls and procedures designed to ensure
that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed under securities legislation is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its certifying officers,
as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company’s management designed the disclosure controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to the Company, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to them on a timely basis. The Company’s management believes that any disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance
that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. 
 Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in National Instrument 52-109 – Certification of
Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings). Based on that evaluation and as at December 31, 2016, the certifying officers have each concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective to achieve the purpose for
which they have been designed. 

  
 27 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 Internal Controls over Financial Reporting 

Internal controls over financial reporting are designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
the preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS. Management is responsible for the design of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. 

The Company’s internal controls over financial reporting include policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that
in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposition of assets, provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with IFRS and
that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorization of management and directors of the Company, and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of authorized acquisition, use or disposition
of assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 
 Because of their inherent limitations, internal controls over
financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Furthermore, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 
 The Company’s
management, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting using framework and criteria established in Internal
Control-Integrated Framework, issued by the 2013 Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation, management has concluded that internal controls over financial reporting were effective as at
December 31, 2016. 
 There has been no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during
the most recently completed quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. 

Forward Looking Statements 
 Certain of
the statements made and information contained herein is “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or the Company’s future performance. All
statements, other than statements of historical fact, may be forward-looking statements. Information concerning mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates also may be deemed to be forward-looking statements in that it reflects a prediction of
mineralization that would be encountered if a mineral deposit were developed and mined. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”,
“continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “predict”, “propose”, “potential”, “targeting”, “intend”, “could”,
“might”, “should”, “believe” and similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated
in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking
statements included in this report should not be unduly relied upon by investors as actual results may vary. These statements speak only as of the date of this report and are expressly qualified, in their entirety, by this cautionary statement. In
particular, this report contains forward-looking statements, pertaining to the following: capital expenditure programs; estimates of the quality and quantity of the mineral resources and mineral reserves at its mineral properties; development of
mineral resources and mineral reserves; treatment under governmental and taxation regimes; expectations regarding the Company’s ability to raise capital; expenditures to be made by the Company on its properties; the Company’s expectations
regarding the preparation of a feasibility study for lithium carbonate production at the Lithium Nevada project; the Company’s expectations regarding the preparation of an updated feasibility study at the Cauchari-Olaroz project; the
expectation for the development of the Cauchari-Olaroz project through the Company’s joint venture with SQM; work plans to be conducted by the Company, including expectations with respect to the operational status of, and timing of commercial
production at, its Fernley plant; the Company’s plans to introduce certain products to the market; and the Company’s ability to source sales contracts for its organoclay products. 

  
 28 

 LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 
 FOR THE
FIFTEEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 
  

 With respect to forward-looking statements listed above and contained in this report, the
Company has made assumptions regarding, among other things: 
  

	 	•	 	 uncertainties relating to receiving mining, exploration, environmental and other permits or approvals in
Nevada, USA and Jujuy Province, Argentina; 

  

	 	•	 	 the impact of increasing competition in the lithium business; 

 

	 	•	 	 unpredictable changes to the market prices for lithium and clay-based organoclay products;

  

	 	•	 	 exploration and development costs for the Cauchari-Olaroz project and the Lithium Nevada project;

  

	 	•	 	 anticipated results of exploration and development activities; 

 

	 	•	 	 availability of additional financing; 

 

	 	•	 	 the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms; 

 

	 	•	 	 the ability to achieve production at any of the Company’s mineral exploration and development properties;

  

	 	•	 	 preparation of a development plan for lithium carbonate production at the Lithium Nevada project; the market
price of organoclay, the Company’s ability to produce RheoMinerals products at a competitive price and to source sales contracts; and 

  

	 	•	 	 the continued growth of the shale gas and ultra-deep oil drilling and lithium industries.

 The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as
a result of the risk factors set forth below and elsewhere in this report including the following: volatility in the market price for minerals; uncertainties associated with estimating mineral resources and mineral reserves, including uncertainties
relating to the assumptions underlying mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; uncertainty of whether there will ever be production at the Company’s mineral exploration properties; geological, technical, drilling or processing problems;
liabilities and risks, including environmental liabilities and risks, inherent in mineral extraction operations; fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates; incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions; unanticipated results of
exploration activities; competition for, amongst other things, capital, undeveloped lands and skilled personnel; lack of availability of additional financing and/or joint venture partners; unpredictable weather conditions; unanticipated delays at
the lithium demonstration plant or at the Fernley Facility or in preparing feasibility studies; the ability to manufacture an organoclay product that meets customer requirements; an increase in the costs of manufacturing organoclay, including the
costs of any raw materials used in the process; and a reduction in the demand for shale or ultra-deep drilling. 
 Readers are cautioned
that the foregoing lists of factors are not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements contained in this report are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. 

  
 29

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