Covalent Lithium achieves first product at Kwinana

Covalent Lithium has announced that in July it produced its first battery-grade lithium hydroxide at its refinery in Kwinana, Western Australia. The company says the commencement of production at the refinery is a pivotal moment in the development of Covalent Lithium’s fully integrated mine-to-refinery operation, which aims to supply battery-grade lithium hydroxide to global markets.

With first production achieved, the operation is expected to ramp up to 50,000 tonnes per annum nameplate capacity over the next 18 months.

Covalent Lithium CEO Ross Martelli said the achievement reflected years of dedicated work across the business.

“This is a major achievement for the project,” he said. “Pleasingly, construction and commissioning was completed within the cost guidance provided by our shareholders in early 2023. The plant is performing as expected during early-stage production, enabling us to safely deliver first product to the refinery design specification.

“This is a positive first step in our production ramp-up phase, with the early, strong performance highlighting the capability and dedication of the entire team. We’re now focused on safely ramping up production and delivering reliable, high-quality battery-grade product.

“In the immediate term, commercial samples are being prepared for product qualification.”

The Kwinana refinery supports the Australian Government’s Future Made in Australia and Western Australia’s Battery and Critical Minerals Strategy by strengthening local critical minerals processing capabilities. Covalent Lithium intends to play an important role advancing Australia’s position in global clean energy supply chains.

At full production, the operation will support the manufacture of batteries for approximately one million electric vehicles each year.

Image credit: iStock.com/kynny