The Western Australian Government has welcomed Albemarle’s news that it will expand its Kemerton lithium hydroxide plant from two processing trains to four.
Once completed, the State Government said the plant will be the largest and most modern lithium hydroxide processing facility outside of China.
The four processing trains will convert spodumene from the Greenbushes mine to battery-grade lithium, giving the plant a capacity of 100,000 metric tonnes per year.
“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 chain,” Premier Mark McGowan said.
The capital cost for trains three and four is expected to be over $1 billion, adding to the capital expenditure for trains one and two, which was also over $1 billion.
According to the State Government, the plant’s growth benefits local jobs and businesses.
The expansion is scheduled to begin construction immediately, with the first product due in 2026.
Construction on the extension is planned to employ roughly 1,000 people at its height.
“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,” Premier McGowan said.
Albemarle is spending more than $140 million to build a high-quality, long-term workforce accommodation precinct near Australind. The area will eventually be converted into a permanent residential estate.
The plant’s first two processing trains employ 480 people, 90% of whom live in the surrounding area.
Trains three and four, when completed, are scheduled to bring the total operational workforce to 850.
The plant’s high-quality, high-value lithium products are in high demand from some of the world’s leading producers of electric vehicles, electronics, and energy storage products.
“We welcome Albemarle’s decision to expand its Kemerton lithium hydroxide plant and continue to invest in advanced mineral processing in WA,” State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook 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,” Minister Cook added.
“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,” Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said.
The McGowan Government is capitalising on the State’s inherent competitive advantages and increasing WA’s engagement in global battery and critical mineral supply chains through the execution of its Future Battery and Critical Minerals Industries Strategy.
“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,” Minister Johnston added.
