Australia-based Mineral Resources (MinRes), one of the largest owners of hard rock lithium units, has agreed with its JV partners to increase production from the Wodgina and Mt Marion spodumene mines, based in Western Australia.
Spodumene is a pyroxene mineral that is typically found in lithium-rich pegmatites. It is usually associated with other lithium minerals; spodumene has a chemical composition of LiAlSi2O6 but small amounts of sodium sometimes substitute for lithium. Throughout most of the 20th century, spodumene was the most important ore of lithium metal.
As one of the largest known hard rock lithium deposits in the world, Wodgina Lithium Project is a Tier 1 asset. MinRes and its JV partner Albemarle Corporation agreed to accelerate the resumption of production from Train 2 at Wodgina. First spodumene concentrate from this train is expected in July 2022. MinRes is well-progressed with its preparations to recommence operations at Train 1, as previously announced, with first spodumene concentrate from this train now expected in May 2022 (previously estimated at third quarter of 2022).
Wodgina Crusher
Each train has a nameplate capacity of 250,000 dry metric tonnes of 6% product.
MinRes continues to work with Albemarle to finalize binding agreements to execute the expansion of the MARBL Lithium Joint Venture on terms consistent with the announcement on 9 February 2022. Once concluded, the revised terms will see MinRes responsible for operating Wodgina and Albemarle responsible for operating downstream conversion assets. MinRes will move to a 50% ownership stake in Wodgina.
All spodumene produced at Wodgina will ultimately be processed through conversion facilities either built or acquired by a new 50/50 joint venture between MinRes and Albemarle. MinRes will be responsible for contributing its share of the capital costs of this conversion capacity. Any spodumene produced in excess of joint venture conversion capacity will be either toll-converted or sold into the open market.
MinRes and Albemarle have also agreed to review the state of global lithium market towards the end of this calendar year to assess timing for the start-up of Train 3 and the possible construction of Train 4.