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WA lithium mine to rival global leader with $1.9bn expansion
PLS Group will spend $1.9 billion expanding its Pilgangoora mine, aiming to produce 2 million tonnes of spodumene per year by 2029 and create 1,500 jobs.
In brief
PLS Group will spend $1.9 billion expanding its Pilgangoora mine, aiming to produce 2 million tonnes of spodumene per year by 2029 and create 1,500 jobs. PLS Group announced a $1.9 billion expansion of its Pilgangoora lithium mine in Western Australia, which could rival Talison Lithium as the world's largest spodumene…
PLS announces $1.9bn expansion
PLS Group Limited announced a $1.9 billion investment to expand its Pilgangoora lithium mine, 140 kilometres south-east of Port Hedland in Western Australia's Pilbara region.
Production target of 2 million tonnes
The expansion will increase spodumene concentrate production to about 2 million tonnes per annum when fully operational in 2029, including a new processing facility named Jimmagunya.
Could rival Talison Lithium
If predictions are correct, the expanded PLS mine would rival Talison Lithium's Greenbushes mine in WA's South West as Australia's largest hard rock lithium mine.
1,500 jobs and infrastructure investment
The expansion will create 1,000 jobs during construction and 500 ongoing operational roles. PLS will also invest $600 million in infrastructure over three years, including roads, a 1,200-bed workers' village and a mine services facility.
Lithium demand strong despite price fall
Mining analyst Peter Strachan said demand for lithium remains strong due to global electric vehicle demand, but spodumene concentrate prices have fallen from $US3,000 per tonne in May to $US1,505 per tonne.
“Despite the fact that the demand for lithium is strong because of the strong electric vehicle demand globally, the price of spodumene concentrate has fallen.”
Talison likely to scale back operations
Strachan predicted Talison Lithium would reduce operations to lower costs following PLS's announcement. Mines closed years ago are now reopening as supply increases and prices fall.
“They will scale back, they'll choose to do the lowest cost operation.”
WA government backs expansion
Premier Roger Cook and Pilbara Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson welcomed the expansion, saying it would strengthen the region's position as a global critical minerals powerhouse and create opportunities for local workers and businesses.
“This is exactly the kind of investment that keeps Western Australians in work today and creates the jobs of tomorrow.”
In short
PLS Group announced a $1.9 billion expansion of its Pilgangoora lithium mine in Western Australia, which could rival Talison Lithium as the world's largest spodumene producer by 2029.
