Covalent Lithium achieves first product at Kwinana

Covalent Lithium has produced its first battery-grade lithium hydroxide at its Kwinana, WA refinery, enabling supply to global markets including the growing electric vehicle industry.

This was confirmed following the company’s internal validation process completion.

The refinery’s production commencement is a pivotal moment in the development of Covalent Lithium’s fully integrated mine-to-refinery operation.

In achieving first production, the operation is expected to ramp up to 50,000tpa nameplate capacity over the next 18 months.

Covalent Lithium chief executive Ross Martelli says the achievement reflects 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.”

At full production, the operation will support the manufacture of batteries for about one million electric vehicles each year, according to Covalent Lithium.