Lithium hydroxide plant expansion paves way for WA’s multi-billion dollar processing industry
The WA Government has welcomed Albermarle’s announcement that it will expand its lithium hydroxide plant in Kemerton from two processing trains to four, making the plant the biggest and most advanced lithium hydroxide processing facility outside of China.
As the State looks to ways to participate in the global battery and critical mineral supply chains, the four processing trains will double the plant capacity to 100,000tpa of lithium hydroxide product, at a cost of more than $1.5b (US$1b), paving the way for WA to grow its multi-billion dollar processing industry.
WA Premier Mark McGowan says Albemarle’s lithium hydroxide plant in Kemerton is one of the best examples of what WA has to offer the world when it comes to battery and critical mineral supply chains.
“For years to come, Albemarle’s lithium hydroxide plant will support local jobs, grow advanced manufacturing in the South-West and deliver economic benefits for the whole State,” he said.
Construction is expected to begin immediately, supporting a workforce of about 1000 at its peak, with the first production from the expansion expected in 2026.
Albermarle is also developing a high-quality, sustainable workforce accommodation precinct near Australind, in southwest WA, at a cost of more than $140m, which over time will transition to a permanent residential estate.
The plant’s first two processing trains, which also had a capital expenditure of more than $1.5b (US$1b), currently have a workforce of 480, of which 90% are local to the region.
Trains three and four are expected to increase this total operational workforce to 850 people.
WA State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook says the WA Government welcomes Albemarle’s decision to expand its Kemerton lithium hydroxide plant and continue to invest in advanced mineral processing in WA.
“As demand for battery and critical minerals continues to increase, so does supply chain opportunities for WA,” he said.
“The WA Government is committed to making sure the State capitalises on its status as the powerhouse of the nation’s battery and critical minerals sector and continues to grow its multi-billion dollar processing industry.”
WA Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston says Albemarle has been a lead player in the multi-billion dollar battery and critical minerals processing industry that WA has successfully established in less than a decade.
“We look forward to seeing Albemarle and the downstream processing industry continue to expand in WA,” he said.
“Guided by our Future Battery and Critical Minerals Industries Strategy, the WA Government is supporting the creation of mineral processing jobs and the development of new skills across the State.”
The Kemerton plant is designed to process nearly 1mtpa of spodumene ore concentrate, sourced from the Greenbushes mine, converting them into battery-grade lithium hydroxide.
There is strong demand for high-quality, high-value lithium products produced at the plant from some of the world’s top manufacturers of electric vehicles and electronic and energy storage products.
