There are multiple sources for the below information, I just grabbed Source: Sreetwise Reports, 18 Jan 2021, because it was the first one I came upon this morning that contained the quote from Jon Evans.

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Lithium Americas Corp.’ President and CEO Jon Evans remarked, “The issuance of the ROD is the culmination of over 10 years of hard work from the Thacker Pass team, as well as the BLM and other federal, state and local agencies, all of whom worked tirelessly to ensure their respective commitments to environmental stewardship and community engagement…With the federal permitting process complete, our focus is on advancing the financing process including discussions with potential strategic partne

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I believe that the questioning of my previous post regarding the subject of future financing for LAC has been in regard to a portion of a paragraph I am providing again below:

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It is that last sentence that is the kicker:  "The mine is expected to open by 2023".

So who, exactly, is expecting this?  As has been pointed out by others, there is the matter of water rights on the one hand and finding the Strategic Partner to help with the financing on the other hand. 

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It would appear that some have concern about my reference to the portion:  "finding the Strategic Partner to help with the financing", as if the financing is a done deal and no Strategic Partner is needed at this point.

Let me repeat the words of Jon Evans:  " our focus is on advancing the financing process including discussions with potential strategic partner"

trades 82:   "We still think partnership is the way to go, but we don't have to have one cause we've got the money. "

"Not sure I understand your mention of financing? At this point, they're fully financed for phase 1."

ProsserP:  "I am under the impression that the partner being sought was a battery cell manufacturer ??"

Evans has clearly indicated that the goal of incorporating a Strategic Partner is part of the goal of "advancing the finance process".  I don't know how that could be any clearer.  JMO    Okiedo