Pilbara Minerals

Australian lithium producer Pilbara Minerals expanded its existing offtake agreement with Ganfeng Lithium Group considerably, boosting spodumene concentrate's short- and medium-term supply.

The original agreement ordained a supply of 160,000 tonnes per year from Pilbara Minerals' Pilganooora operation.

The revised agreement increases this supply up to 310,000 tonnes annually over three calendar years while selling all spodumene concentrate at the prevailing market price.

This comes separate from Pilbara Mineral's ongoing strategic partnership process, which is on track to conclude in the first quarter of 2024.

Australian lithium producer Pilbara Minerals announced a medium-term power strategy that could reduce power-related emissions intensity by up to 80% by 2030, compared to the 2023 financial year.

The strategy comprises three stages: transitioning thermal generation from diesel to natural gas, increasing solar generation, and adding wind power generation by 2030.

Pilbara Minerals signed two agreements to help realise the initiative: a five-year gas supply deal with Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS) and an energy plant conversion contract with Pacific Energy (ASX:PEA).

The company aims for all three stages to be operational by 2030.

Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) together with Calix, have reached a final investment decision to proceed with the construction of a mid-stream demonstration plant at the Pilgangoora Operation.

The project seeks to reduce carbon emissions, and transport volumes within the battery materials supply chain by improving spodumene processing.

The plant will use Calix’s patented electric kiln technology to produce a lithium-enriched product.

This process could lower carbon emissions, and increase processing value at the mine site if powered by renewable energy.

The plant's construction, worth AU$104.9 million, will be partially funded by a AU$20 million Australian government grant.