[Australia's PLS Poised for Action as Lithium Ore Winter Begins to Thaw]
After experiencing the most transformative year in its history, Australia's PLS is ready to welcome a recovery in lithium prices.
In recent weeks, spodumene concentrate prices have fluctuated sharply, dropping to around $600 per mt in early July before rebounding to approximately $800 per mt.
Although the current price movements are supply-related, PLS General Manager Dale Henderson noted that demand remains robust, with global EV sales reaching 5 million units in Q2, up 27% YoY, and BESS demand is projected to increase 40% YoY.
"We do not believe the current prices are sustainable. We believe prices must rise," Henderson said.
Henderson stated that Pilgangoora performed excellently in Q2, with production up 77% YoY to 221,300 mt of spodumene and unit costs down 10% to $397 per mt.
Full-year production was 755,000 mt, exceeding the guidance range of 700,000-740,000 mt, while unit costs were A$627 or $406 per mt, within the guidance range.
Full-year operating cash profit was A$192 million, and PLS held A$1 billion in cash at June month-end.
The 2026 fiscal year will focus on optimization and cost reduction, leveraging newly installed ore sorting technology. The company aims for an average lithium recovery rate of 72% for the full year.
Source: mining.com
[Tianqi Lithium Australia Joint Venture Says It Is Prioritizing the Long-Term Feasibility of the Refinery]
Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia said on Tuesday that it is prioritizing the long-term feasibility of its loss-making Kwinana lithium hydroxide refinery, after a shareholder in the joint venture questioned its ability to improve operations.
The Western Australian lithium hydroxide producer said it will continue to optimize plant operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall productivity.
Last week, IGO, which holds a 49% stake in the joint venture, stated that, given its lack of confidence in the ability to improve operations, it is re-evaluating the plant's future development path.
The Kwinana facility is part of a collaboration project between IGO and China's Tianqi Lithium, which holds a 51% stake.
As Australia's first built lithium hydroxide plant, the refinery has been facing operational challenges and production delays during the period of falling lithium prices.
Source: mining.com
[Century Lithium Joins US Fast Track]
Century Lithium's Angel Island project in Nevada, estimated to cost $3.1 billion, has been included on the US Federal Permitting Council's FAST-41 transparency list.
The Angel Island project is in the feasibility stage. Originally named Clayton Valley, it is one of the top claystone lithium development projects in the US in terms of reserves and economic benefits. It is comparable to other claystone lithium projects in Nevada, such as Lithium Americas' project, located approximately 320 kilometers northwest of Angel Island.
Angel Island is situated near Silver Peak in eastern Nevada, with proven and probable reserves of 287.65 million mt at a grade of 1,149 parts per million lithium, equivalent to 1.75 million mt of LCE.
The project has an after-tax net present value of $3.1 billion, an after-tax internal rate of return of 17.1%, and a mine life of 40 years. Its Phase 1 capacity is set at 13,000 mt of LCE per year, with a capital cost of $1.5 billion. Expanding the capacity to 28,000 mt per year requires an additional investment of $651 million.
Source: mining.com
[Kodal Collaborates with Mali Government to Accelerate Export License for Bougouni Lithium Project]
Kodal Minerals reported progress on Wednesday regarding the open-pit mine and Phase 1 dense media separation (DMS) processing plant at the Bougouni project in southern Mali.
Following the initial production of spodumene concentrates in December 2024 at the Goulamina project operated by China's Ganfeng Lithium, Bougouni is set to become Mali's second operating lithium mine.
The Bougouni project is operated by locally registered Mali mining company Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni SA (LMLB), in which Kodal holds a 49% stake.
The company stated that the DMS processing plant continues to treat pegmatite ore, and improvements are underway. Spodumene concentrate production has exceeded 45,000 mt, ready for export.
Open-pit mining at Ngoualana continues. However, access to the lower levels of the pit is restricted due to heavy rainfall typical of the rainy season and water accumulation in the pit.
Mining operations continue, stripping overburden to the final pit boundary. Mineralized pegmatite ore on the stockpile ensures the continuous operation of the DMS processing plant. The LMLB operations team plans to begin a maintenance shutdown at month-end August to complete a final systematic inspection of the plant and finish improvements. The company stated that on-site preparations for the first export are ongoing, and coordination is underway with the Port of Abidjan and the Port of San Pedro in the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to ensure the smooth shipment of the initial cargo.
Source: mining.com
