IGO Limited (ASX:IGO) has confirmed the first and consistent production of battery grade lithium hydroxide from the Kwinana Lithium Hydroxide Refinery, representing an important milestone for the Lithium Joint Venture between IGO (49%) and Tianqi Lithium Corporation (51%).
Based on onsite laboratory tests, the joint venture has successfully and consistently produced battery grade lithium hydroxide over several days.
IGO’s Managing Director and CEO, Peter Bradford, said once product samples have been independently verified, the product qualification process with offtake customers will commence.
“We are delighted to announce this important achievement and we congratulate the joint venture team for their focus and professionalism through the progressive commissioning and trial production of Train 1 at Kwinana and the delivery of this important milestone.
“Vertical integration into downstream processing is a key plank in IGO’s strategy and we are proud to be involved in the first production of lithium hydroxide in commercial quantities in Australia.
“The joint venture’s interest in both the upstream mining asset at Greenbushes and the downstream refinery at Kwinana is emerging as a globally significant, integrated lithium business.”
Tianqi Lithium Corporation Chief Operating Officer (COO), Raj Surendran, said the next step in the plant’s ramp-up process is customer qualification, which will be completed over the next four to eight months. During this time, the plant will continue to focus on stable, consistent, and reliable production of battery-grade lithium.
“We are immensely proud to demonstrate that Australia can value add to its minerals onshore as it enhances its reputation as a critical contributor to the production of batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage, which are absolutely vital for the decarbonisation of the world’s economy.”
“This is an exciting time for our shareholders, suppliers and service providers who have contributed to the construction and ramp-up of the Kwinana Plant, and our employees who have worked so hard to turn the dream of producing battery-grade lithium hydroxide in Australia into a reality.
“The City of Kwinana and the Western Australian and Australian Governments have been incredibly supportive of this project, and we thank them sincerely.
“Today’s milestone proves Australia has the capability and expertise to transition from a ‘dig it and ship it’ minerals supplier to a downstream supplier of value-added product.
“However, we also remain acutely aware that there is more work to do to establish the Kwinana plant as a reliable, significant producer of battery-grade lithium, starting with customer acceptance.”