Pilbara Minerals Unveils World's Largest Lithium Ore Sorter

The P680 Expansion Project by Pilbara Minerals has successfully concluded, with the new crushing and ore sorting facility at the Pilgangoora Operation officially launched on August 2, 2024.

The P680 Expansion Project has been officially inaugurated, completed on schedule and within budget. This expansion has boosted Pilgangoora's production capacity by approximately 30%, raising it to 680,000 tonnes per annum. Notably, the Pilgangoora Operation now features the world’s largest lithium ore sorter. The project generated 350 construction jobs and involved a substantial $404 million capital expenditure by Pilbara Minerals, supported by a $250 million loan from the Australian government.

The new crushing and ore sorting facility marks a major advancement in hard-rock lithium processing. As the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and globally, it boasts an impressive ore sorting capacity of over 1,000 tonnes per hour.

The completion of this facility marks the culmination of years of research, testing, and project development by Pilbara Minerals.

The milestone was celebrated with an official on-site ceremony and ribbon-cutting event attended by WA Minister for Energy Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, NAIF CEO Craig Doyle, and Nyamal Elders Willie Jumbo and Biddi Norman, who represented the Traditional Owners of the land where the operation is situated.

The crushing and ore sorting facility, designed to process and separate lithium ore from waste, marks the completion of the P680 Project. This new addition boosts Pilgangoora’s production capacity by around 30% and supports the forthcoming expansion phase, which aims to ramp up to 1 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) under the P1000 Expansion Project.

The P680 Project was completed on schedule and within budget, playing a crucial role in Pilbara Minerals’ strategic growth plan to fully realize the potential of the Pilgangoora asset. During the two-year construction phase, over 350 direct jobs were generated. Additionally, approximately 300 more jobs will be created beyond the pre-P680 workforce level, sustaining employment throughout the mine's operational life.

Pilbara Minerals Managing Director and CEO Dale Henderson stated that the completion of the P680 Project represents a significant milestone in the company's growth trajectory.

“The P680 Project is a cornerstone of our strategic growth plan to fully realize the potential of the Pilgangoora asset.

“The project's benefits are significant, not only through the increase in production capacity but also by showcasing industry-leading sustainable technology that enhances ore recovery and reduces energy intensity by rejecting waste. This reinforces Pilbara Minerals' competitive edge as a top global lithium producer.

“The success of the project is thanks to our strong partnerships with government, the community, and our contractors, as well as the exceptional expertise of our team. This achievement adds considerable value to the Western Australian economy.

“Support from the Australian Government for critical minerals development was crucial for the P680 Project and highlights the government's commitment to leveraging the economic opportunities from the global clean energy transition.”

Western Australian Minister for Energy Hon. Reece Whitby MLA stated that the project will advance Western Australia’s efforts in decarbonization.

“The Cook Labor Government is securing the future of our economy with its historic investment in climate action. Today’s announcement will create 300 new jobs in regional WA, supporting our State’s goal of becoming a key player in the global energy transition.”

The $404 million P680 Project received support through loans from Export Finance Australia and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, totaling $250 million in funding from the Australian Government.

These phased expansions enhance Pilbara Minerals' cost-efficiency and strategically position the Company to take full advantage of future demand.