Liontown produces more than 10kt of spodumene concentrate from Kathleen Valley

Liontown Resources (ASX: LTR) has produced more than 10kt of spodumene concentrate since beginning operations at its Kathleen Valley lithium project in WA.

The concentrate produced to-date has a weighted average grade of 5.2% lithium oxide and the concentrate stockpile is currently split between site and port.

Around half of the stockpile is already at the port with the remaining to be progressively transported to the port ahead of first shipment planned for September.

Liontown managing director and chief executive Tony Ottaviano commented on the milestone.

“Reaching significant levels of concentrate stockpiles at Kathleen Valley is another remarkable achievement from our team and the plant design, especially considering it’s only one month since we announced first production,” he said.

“The successful mobilisation of our logistics chain and the operational readiness of our site facilities underscores our strong commitment to delivering on our commitments.

“As we eagerly anticipate our first shipment, scheduled for September, this progress positions us on the cusp of revenue generation, reinforcing our dedication to enhancing shareholder value.”

Kathleen Valley lies around 60km north of Leinster and 680km northeast of Perth and it has a mineral resource estimate of 156mt at 1.4% lithium oxide and 130ppm tantalum pentoxide. Over 80% of the mineral resource is classified as measured or indicated.

An ore reserve of 68.5mt at 1.34% lithium oxide and 120ppm tantalum oxide supports an expected mine life of over 20 years.