The MARBL Lithium Joint Venture (MARBL), an unincorporated joint venture owned 40/60 by Mineral Resources (MRL) and Albemarle Corporation has decided to restart operations at the Wodgina Lithium Mine.
Located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, 120km south of Port Hedland, Wodgina was placed on care and maintenance in November 2019 because of the then weak global market conditions.
MARBL will initially focus on restarting one of Wodgina’s three 250,000tpa processing lines, with additional processing lines to be recommenced ‘when market demand is sufficient’.
Mineral Resources Managing Director Chris Ellison said Wodgina would recommence spodumene concentrate production during the third quarter of 2022, with the start-up and initial operating phase expected to create 200 new full-time jobs.
“We are delighted that the MARBL JV has decided to restart Wodgina, a world-class lithium opportunity that MRL developed into a mine with world-class potential,” Mr Ellison said.
“It was the correct decision in late 2019 to place Wodgina on care and maintenance though it never dented our confidence in lithium’s long-term positive demand fundamentals.
“I thank the MRL team for their great work in looking after the Wodgina operation during this period of care and maintenance, which should enable a safe and seamless start-up.”