The project features an open-cut mine and concentrator, as well as a refinery currently being constructed in Kwinana. The opening officially recognised the successful construction and commissioning of the Mt Holland lithium mine and spodumene concentrate processing plant at an opening ceremony.
Commissioning represents a significant milestone for the Mt Holland lithium project where spodumene concentrate production is now underway, and the plant is ramping up to nameplate production and on track to deliver 100,000 tonnes this financial year.
Once construction of the Covalent refinery in Kwinana is complete and commissioned, Covalent Lithium will be a fully-integrated producer and supplier of premium, battery-grade lithium hydroxide for the global electric vehicle market.
SQM Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Ramos said the successful commissioning of the concentrator was one step closer to realising Covalent’s vision of enabling clean energy on a large scale.
The project is a AU$2.6 billion investment in Western Australia, and supported 1,000 jobs during construction and will support approximately 350 jobs during operations.
Mt Holland will produce approximately 380,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate per year, which will be refined into 50,000 tonnes of battery quality lithium hydroxide, which is enough to power around one million electric vehicles.
