The proposed expansion will deliver two more processing trains, making the Kemerton facility the largest and most advanced lithium hydroxide processing facility outside China.

“We welcome 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.

“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,” State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook said.

The estimated capital expenditure to add trains three and four to the Kemerton operations stands at more than US$1 billion, which builds on the more than US$1 billion capital expenditure to deliver the first two trains.

Once all four trains are up and running, the Kemerton processing plant will be able to convert up to 100,000 metric tonnes of spodumene from the Greenbushes mine to battery-grade lithium annually.

The Kemerton Expansion Project is expected to support up to 1,000 jobs at peak construction period.

Works on the expansion are anticipated to commence immediately, with the first production from the expanded facility expected in 2026.

“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.

“The expansion of the plant is great news for the region, the State and Australia.

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