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Mt Holland Lithium Project

Mining to Refining. An integrated operation. 

Expected output

380kt

of 5.5% Li2O Spodumene Concentrate per year.

Producing approximately

50Kt

of Battery Grade Lithium Hydroxide per year.

Mineral Reserve

85.6mT

@1.45% Li₂O.

Unlocking One of Australia’s Largest Hard-Rock Lithium Resources

A 50:50 joint venture between SQM and Wesfarmers Limited, this project brings together global lithium expertise and local operational strength to unlock the potential of one of Australia’s most promising hard-rock lithium resources.

The Mt Holland Lithium Project is a fully integrated operation, encompassing an open-pit mine, spodumene concentrate processing facility and a lithium hydroxide refinery located in Kwinana. This streamlined approach enables efficient conversion of spodumene concentrate into battery-grade lithium hydroxide, a product crucial to supporting decarbonisation on a global scale.

Strategically located in Western Australia, the project reflects a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term value creation—delivering high-quality lithium products that strengthen global supply chains and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

By combining SQMi’s international experience in lithium development with WesCef’s deep local expertise, Mt Holland is set to play a pivotal role in powering the future of energy storage and electromobility.

The operations are strategically positioned for local and international markets.

Mining and Processing 

The Mt Holland spodumene mine and processor is located approximately 500 km east of Perth and 120 km southeast of Southern Cross, in the Forrestania region, to the west of the Goldfields region in Western Australia.

The Mt Holland lithium deposit is anchored by the Earl Grey pegmatite, a tabular ore body extending over 2 km in dip, with a strike length of approximately 1 km and thickness reaching up to 100 m. With a declared reserve of 85.6 million tonnes at 1.45% Li₂O, Mt Holland ranks among the top five spodumene deposits in Western Australia, highlighting its strategic significance in the global lithium sector. Mt Holland is an open-cut mining operation with run-of-mine ore processed on-site.

The spodumene concentrator at Mt Holland employs a hybrid Dense Media Separation (DMS) and flotation process to convert ore into high-grade spodumene concentrate. The plant is able to produce lithium concentrate at 5.5% Li₂O, with an expected annual output of approximately 380,000 dry tonnes. The lithium concentrate is transported to a refinery facility in the Kwinana Industrial Area in Western Australia for the production of battery-grade refined lithium.

Through Mt Holland’s operating company, Covalent Lithium, the joint venture is actively pursuing growth opportunities, including developing studies to assess doubling the mine and concentrator’s production capacity. This potential expansion is aligned with projected market demand and reflects a commitment to strengthening global lithium supply chains and contributing to Western Australia’s economic development. Expansion timing will be guided by prevailing market conditions.

More specific information in relation to the mineral resource can be found in the Technical Report Summary (PDF).

Expected mine life (years)

50

The operations have great long-term potential, with a significant expected mine life of over 50 years at the proposed production rate.

Joint Venture

50:50

Covalent Lithium is a JV between Wesfarmers and SQM.

EVs powered

1M 50Kt

Of lithium hydroxide can support the production of batteries for approximately one million electric vehicles/year.

Refinery

The  refinery is expected to produce approximately 50,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide in Western Australia, for the global development of lithium batteries.

Located in the Kwinana Industrial Area, approximately 35 km south of Perth, the refinery is a key component of the Mt Holland Project’s integrated operations. Its purpose is to maximise the value of the spodumene concentrate by converting it into battery-grade lithium hydroxide, a critical material for lithium-ion battery manufacturing.

Drawing on SQMi’s global expertise in lithium processing, the refinery is designed to deliver efficient, high-quality output while exploring opportunities to utilise by-products wherever possible. This approach supports both environmental sustainability and resource optimisation, reinforcing the project’s contribution to the global clean energy supply chain.

The completion and successful commissioning of the Kwinana Refinery in 2025 marked the start of our lithium hydroxide production in Australia. As we embark on this exciting journey, we will continue to research and develop new technologies to support innovative ways of working.

The lithium hydroxide produced at Kwinana will play a vital role in storing electricity from renewable energy sources, supporting a wide range of applications—from household energy systems to electric vehicles and beyond. As operations progress, ongoing research and development will continue to drive innovation and enhance the refinery’s contribution to the clean energy transition.

Location

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Andover

We are progressing the Andover Lithium Project in Western Australia's Pilbara region, where exploration has confirmed the potential for a large-scale, high-grade spodumene resource to support future lithium supply.

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Exploration

We seek out high-potential lithium projects across multiple jurisdictions, and use our expertise to assess opportunities and invest, develop and expand projects to strengthen supply of lithium products to the market.

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Innovation and Technology

Through our people and knowledge, global R&D and technology investments, we push the boundaries of efficient, sustainable lithium production.

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