MinRes showcases the power of lithium

As part of the three-day Resources Technology Showcase (RTS), held in Perth last week, Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) delivered its Secret World of Lithium installation.  

This year’s RTS focused on key minerals that power daily life, the perfect backdrop to highlight lithium’s place at the heart of the world’s energy revolution, enabling rechargeable batteries essential for electric mobility, renewable energy storage and portable electronics. 

With demand forecast to grow in the coming decades, MinRes’ ongoing investment in world-class operations and downstream processing is positioning the company at the forefront of the global supply chain.  

Through a combination of lighting, sound and storytelling, guests were transported back more than 13b years to when the earliest elements of the universe were created in the first part of MinRes’ exhibition. 

The display charted lithium’s long journey to Earth, explaining how the element became embedded within hard rock deposits and concluded by introducing spodumene ore, from which lithium is now extracted. 

The second tunnel experience shifted focus from science to operations, giving visitors an inside look at the company’s position as a globally significant hard rock lithium miner. 

Using video, imagery and relatable facts and figures, the exhibit provided an overview of MinRes’ two flagship lithium sites in WA — Wodgina in the Pilbara and Mt Marion in the Goldfields. 

Visitors also learned how lithium is mined from spodumene at these sites and how it is processed to help meet the growing demand for battery-grade materials. 

The display showcased the scale and sophistication of MinRes’ operations, underlining the company’s role in fuelling the global shift towards low-carbon technologies. 

MinRes lithium chief executive Joshua Thurlow says the company’s presence at RTS aimed to provide an educational and inspirational experience, especially for younger visitors. 

“It’s all about showcasing to young Western Australians the breadth of opportunities in the mining industry and getting them excited about how the sector impacts our daily lives, including in the global energy transition,” he said. 

“As one of Australia’s largest hard rock lithium miners, MinRes showcased how lithium was formed in our universe, how it came to be in the deposits that we mine today and how it’s used in everyday items.” 

The exhibit concluded with a MEVCO-modified Rivian R1T electric ute, it’s tray laden with everyday lithium-enabled products including mobile phones, cordless tools, drones, handheld gaming consoles and cameras. 

The display served as a tangible reminder of the mineral’s place in modern life, connecting it directly to the technologies people use every day.