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Rio Tinto joins forces with ENAMI for Salares Altoandinos lithium project
Rio Tinto will acquire a controlling 51% stake in the Salares Altoandinos lithium project, while ENAMI will maintain a 49% stake

Swagath Bandhakavi 23rd May 2025

Rio Tinto has been designated by Empresa Nacional de Minería (ENAMI) as the preferred partner for the Salares Altoandinos lithium project in Chile’s Atacama region.

ENAMI is a state-owned mining entity in Chile.

Under the agreement, Rio Tinto will acquire a controlling 51% stake in the Salares Altoandinos lithium project, while ENAMI will maintain a 49% holding. This transaction awaits finalisation through binding agreements, regulatory approvals, and customary conditions.

The collaboration is said to mark a significant step for Rio Tinto as it seeks to expand its presence in the global lithium market, critical for energy transition technologies.

The company’s growing portfolio now encompasses key assets across South America, Canada, and Serbia, bolstered by its recent acquisition of Arcadium Lithium.

Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm said: “We are honoured to have been selected by ENAMI as the preferred partner for the Salares Altoandinos project, which has the potential to be a world-class lithium development.

“We welcome the opportunity to develop our partnership with ENAMI, building on our interests in Nuevo Cobre and Salar de Maricunga, and to support Chile’s position as one of the world’s leading producers of minerals critical to the energy transition.”

The partnership follows a recent agreement between Rio Tinto and Codelco to form a joint venture for developing a lithium project at Salar de Maricunga, also in the Atacama region. Under this arrangement, Rio Tinto will finance necessary studies and development costs for a 49.99% stake in the venture managed by Codelco.

Rio Tinto’s strategy leverages its established position in the Lithium Triangle to drive synergies across value chains. The company’s financial strategy includes an anticipated capital expenditure of $10-11bn annually, aimed at maximising shareholder returns through strategic investments.

The firm aims to prioritise sustainable practices in its operations, including minimising freshwater use and engaging local communities. Its initiatives also focus on advanced processing technologies and brine reinjection studies to mitigate environmental impacts.

In Argentina, Rio Tinto plans to expand its operations into large-scale super-hubs through projects like Rincon, Olaroz, Fenix, Sal de Vida, and Cauchari. These developments aim to enhance competitiveness and scalability by utilising common infrastructure across multiple sites.

Argentina authorises Rio Tinto’s expansion of Rincon Lithium Project
The expansion plans aim to enhance the existing 3,000-tonne starter plant with an additional 57,000-tonne facility, extending the mine's operational lifespan to 40 years

Swagath Bandhakavi 21st May 2025

The Argentine government has authorised the $2.5bn expansion of Rio Tinto’s Rincon Lithium Project, marking the first mining initiative approved under the nation’s new investment incentive programme.

The announcement came from Daniel Gonzalez, Secretary for Mining and Energy Coordination, during a press conference in Buenos Aires, reported Reuters.

Concerns have been raised within Argentina’s mining sector regarding delays in the approval of seven other projects submitted under the RIGI programme, which was introduced nine months ago.

Roberto Cacciola of the CAEM mining chamber addressed these concerns, acknowledging industry anxiety over the status of mining RIGIs.

The administration of President Javier Milei is seeking to enhance South America’s mining sector as a strategy to attract foreign currency and stabilise an economy currently challenged by high inflation.

As the fourth-largest global supplier, Argentina plays a crucial role alongside Chile and Bolivia in a “lithium triangle” that contains major reserves of this essential metal used in electronic devices and electric vehicles.

While South America also exports silver and gold, with significant copper projects under construction, these ventures have yet to reach production stages. The RIGI programme has also attracted interest from Canadian company McEwen Copper and South Korea’s Posco.

Situated in Salta Province, the Rincon project involves extracting lithium through brine using a production wellfield and includes processing and waste management facilities.

The project utilises direct lithium extraction technology, which supports water conservation and reduces waste while ensuring consistent production of lithium carbonate.

The expansion plans involve augmenting the current 3,000-tonne starter plant with a 57,000-tonne plant, extending the mine’s operational life to 40 years.

Construction on this expanded facility is anticipated to begin in mid-2025, pending necessary permits, with initial production set for 2028 and a three-year period to reach full capacity. This expansion is expected to create jobs and economic opportunities for local businesses.

Rio Tinto announced its investment in expanding Rincon in December 2024 as its first commercial-scale lithium operation.

Initial production at the 3,000-tonne starter plant was achieved by the company in November 2024, 32 months after acquiring the greenfield project.

Rio Tinto and Codelco to collaborate on Chilean lithium project
Situated in the Atacama region, the Salar de Maricunga is claimed to hold significant lithium reserves and potential for scalable, cost-effective production

Swagath Bandhakavi 20th May 2025

Rio Tinto and Corporación Nacional Del Cobre de Chile (Codelco) have entered into binding agreements to establish a joint venture for the development and operation of a lithium project in Chile’s Salar de Maricunga.

This alliance aims to bolster both Rio Tinto’s and Chile’s positions in the global energy transition supply chain.

The Salar de Maricunga, located in the Atacama region, is recognised for its substantial lithium reserves, offering scalable and low-cost production potential. The brine in the area is claimed to possess one of the highest concentrations of lithium globally.


Under the terms of the agreement, Rio Tinto will acquire a 49.99% stake in Salar de Maricunga, the entity through which Codelco manages its licenses and mining concessions in the area. This acquisition will involve Rio Tinto financing studies and development costs.

Rio Tinto has committed to an initial investment of $350m in the company to support further studies and resource analysis, advancing the project towards a final investment decision.

Upon proceeding with the project, an additional $500m will be allocated for construction expenses, with these milestones expected to be reached by the end of the decade. An additional $50m will be invested if the joint venture successfully delivers its first lithium output by 2030.

Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm said: “Codelco is a strategic partner for Rio Tinto in Chile, with this agreement building on our copper joint ventures.

“We aim to bring significant investment and long-term benefits to the Atacama region as we advance Maricunga and Nuevo Cobre together, with a focus on responsible sustainable development including shared infrastructure and solutions to minimise water usage.”

Both partners will contribute to additional capital requirements proportionate to their ownership in the joint venture. The collaboration will focus on updating the project’s declared reserves and resources and advancing studies to guide future investment decisions.

The joint venture plans to engage closely with local communities, support infrastructure development like power and roads, and utilise advanced extraction, processing, and re-injection technologies to optimise mineral recovery and reduce environmental impact.

Codelco chairman Máximo Pacheco said: “This project continues our lithium diversification strategy, which is essential for the energy transition, with a world-class partner in Rio Tinto that represents the most attractive option for Codelco and the country.”

The transaction is anticipated to conclude by the end of Q1 2026, pending regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions.

L’australien Atlantic annonce une découverte de lithium en Côte d’Ivoire

Agence Ecofin 22 mai 2025

Atlantic Lithium développe la première mine de lithium du Ghana. La société a obtenu en 2024 des permis d’exploration en Côte d’Ivoire. Ses premiers résultats s’ajoutent aux découvertes récentes de lithium dans le pays, mais qui n’ont pas encore débouché sur des estimations de ressources minérales.

L’australien Atlantic Lithium a annoncé jeudi 22 mai la découverte de pegmatites riches en spodumène (minéral contenant du lithium) sur ses permis d’exploration en Côte d’Ivoire. La découverte située sur les permis d’Agboville et Rubino contient en effet des teneurs élevées en lithium atteignant 1,25 %, selon les résultats d’échantillons de roche prélevés sur le terrain.

Ces résultats sont le fruit des deux premières phases d’un programme d’échantillonnage lancé en 2024, après l’obtention de permis d’exploration par sa filiale locale Khaleesi Resources SARL. Les anomalies géologiques démontrant la présence de lithium s’étendent notamment sur une superficie de 2,5 km sur 2 km au niveau du permis Rubino.

« La découverte de pegmatite à spodumène sur les deux permis d’Agboville et de Rubino de la société représente un événement capital […]. Ces résultats encourageants marquent une étape passionnante pour les efforts d’exploration d’Atlantic Lithium en Côte d’Ivoire, où la société vise à découvrir le prochain gisement de lithium important en Afrique », explique Keith Muller, DG de la société.

Si les travaux en sont encore à un stade précoce, les premiers résultats confirment le potentiel prospectif des permis. La phase 3 d’échantillonnage est terminée et pourrait déboucher sur la planification des premières cibles de forage. Atlantic Lithium compte s’appuyer sur l’expertise acquise au Ghana pour faire avancer ses activités exploratoires en Côte d’Ivoire.

La compagnie australienne développe en effet la première mine de lithium du Ghana, après avoir découvert un gisement capable de livrer 3,6 millions de tonnes de concentré de spodumène sur 12 ans.

Pour rappel, la Côte d’Ivoire compte d’autres projets de lithium à un stade également précoce. African Gold a par exemple identifié une zone prometteuse pour le lithium sur son projet Agboville, tout comme Firering Strategic Minerals qui développe le projet Atex.

Li-Cycle files for bankruptcy protection in Canada

Reuters | May 15, 2025

Toronto-based lithium battery recycling firm Li-Cycle said on Wednesday that it has filed for bankruptcy protection in Canada and expects to start a formal sale for its business or assets.


The firm’s US units have also commenced proceedings in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

Li-Cycle has entered into a $10.5 million debtor-in-possession financing and a stalking horse credit bid for at least $40 million with London-listed Glencore, its largest secured creditor.

In March, Li-Cycle said it is seeking buyers for its business or assets as it needs additional funding to maintain operations. Glencore made an offer to acquire the Toronto-based company as part of a proposal to offset operational and financial issues.

The company has filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 15 and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCCAA), a Canadian federal law that allows insolvent corporations that owe creditors in excess of $5 million to restructure their business and financial affairs.

In November last year, the US Department of Energy finalized a $475 million loan for Li-Cycle, a financial lifeline for the company that kept running into cost overruns and technical issues.

Codelco to Select Maricunga Lithium Partner by End of June

16/05/2025

Codelco, Chile’s state-owned copper company, will name its partner for the Maricunga lithium project before the end of June. The announcement comes as the government continues to advance its broader policy of asserting greater state control over lithium while keeping the door open for private investment. At a recent industry conference, Codelco chairman Máximo Pacheco confirmed that the company has received multiple binding offers and has narrowed down the list of candidates. The chosen company will join Codelco in developing the lithium project at the Maricunga salt flat, the country’s second-largest in terms of lithium reserves.

According to Pacheco, the selection process is in its final stages. Discussions with shortlisted candidates are ongoing, and the company expects to formalize the joint venture agreement during the second half of the year.
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Le coût du projet de lithium Sibanye en Finlande augmente de 17% à 880 M $

Publié le 9 mai 202

Le mineur sud-africain Sibanye-Stillwater (JSE: SSW) (NYSE: SBSW) a augmenté le coût prévu de son projet Keliber Lithium en Finlande de 17% à 783 millions d'euros (880 millions de dollars), invoquant des changements réglementaires, élargi la fenêtre du projet et baisse des prix du lithium.

La société, qui détient une participation de 79,8% dans Keliber, a déclaré que le chiffre révisé couvre le développement jusqu'à la mise en service à chaud de la raffinerie. Les dépenses en capital du projet avaient atteint 508 millions d'euros (572 millions de dollars) fin mars 2025, et le budget de 2025 a été porté à 300 millions d'euros (338 millions de dollars), contre une prévision précédente de 215 millions d'euros (242 millions de dollars).



La construction est «bien avancée», selon Sibanye, avec la raffinerie de lithium dans le parc industriel de Kokkola sur la bonne voie pour commencer la mise en service au premier trimestre de 2026. Une fois opérationnel, Keliber devrait produire 15 000 tonnes d'hydroxyde de lithium de qualité batterie chaque année sur une vie mine de 16 ans.

Le projet comprend plusieurs zones minières, un concentrateur à Päiväneva (Keliber Concentrator), la raffinerie de Kokkola et des infrastructures de soutien dans tous les emplacements.

Lithium Ionic Reports Updated Mineral Resource Estimate at its Bandeira Lithium Project, Minas Gerais, Brazil

May 6, 2025

Lithium Ionic Corp. (TSXV: LTH; OTCQX: LTHCF; FSE: H3N) (“Lithium Ionic” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce an updated mineral resource estimate (“MRE”) for its 100%-owned Bandeira Lithium Project (“Bandeira” or the “Project”) located in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Bandeira is the Company’s flagship property, located in Brazil’s “Lithium Valley”, a rapidly emerging hard rock lithium district renowned for its significant concentration of lithium-bearing pegmatites.

Measured and Indicated (“M&I”) MRE of 27.27 million tonnes (“Mt”) grading 1.34% Li₂O, containing 901,059 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (“LCE”); with an additional Inferred MRE of 18.55Mt grading 1.34% Li₂O, or 615,432 tonnes of LCE (see Table 1).

M&I growth represents a 30% increase in tonnage compared to the MRE used in the Company’s Feasibility Study announced on May 29, 2024, and a 15% increase compared to the MRE announced on April 12, 2024.

The updated MRE is based on 297 drill holes (60,301 metres), drilled between April 2022 and September 2024.

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China's BYD, Tsingshan scrap plans for Chile lithium plants

Reuters By Daina Beth Solomon May 8, 2025

Chinese automaker BYD (002594.SZ), opens new tab and metals group Tsingshan are backing out of multi-million dollar plans to build lithium cathode plants in Chile, the country's economic development agency said on Wednesday.
The retreat by the two huge Chinese companies is a blow to Chile's aim to develop more domestic processing of lithium, a key metal for electric vehicle batteries. Chile is the world's no. 2 lithium producer.

Both projects were hit by plunging lithium prices, said government economic development agency Corfo, which in 2023 had tapped BYD and Tsingshan for a preferential lithium price deal as part of its efforts to spur investment in Chile.
"The companies selected by Corfo have been affected in their investment decisions by the global market conditions, which have shown a sharp drop in prices," Corfo said in a statement.
Tsingshan told Reuters it has withdrawn plans for a $233 million project to produce 120,000 metric tons of lithium iron phosphate (LFP). Chile's national assets ministry told Reuters that BYD filed an intent to withdraw its plans in January.

BYD, the world's biggest maker of electric cars, declined to comment. BYD last year flagged delays to a planned $290 million plant, which was expected to produce 50,000 metric tons per year of LFP for cathodes.
Chilean newspaper Diario Financiero first reported the scrapped investments.

Chile's effort in 2018 to encourage lithium-related investments via a pricing deal also fell apart. Chilean chemical company Molymet, China's Sichuan Fulin Transportation Group Co (002357.SZ), opens new tab, and a joint venture between Korean firms Posco and Samsung for various reasons withdrew their plans.
Tsingshan and BYD would have had access to preferential prices of lithium produced by Chilean miner SQM through 2030, a timeframe that Corfo said also may have influenced the withdrawal of the projects.

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L'américain KoBold veut investir plus de 1 milliard $ dans le lithium de Manono en RDC

Agence Ecofin 08 mai 2025

Avec 842 millions de tonnes de ressources à une teneur en lithium de 1,61 %, Manono est le plus grand gisement de lithium en RDC. Alors que l’actif fait depuis des années l’objet d’un litige qui ralentit son développement, l’arrivée de nouveaux investisseurs peut changer la donne.

KoBold Metals a publié dans la soirée du mercredi 7 mai un accord-cadre visant à acquérir la participation de l’australien AVZ Minerals dans le gisement de lithium Manono en RDC. La société américaine, soutenue par les milliardaires Jeff Bezos et Bill Gates, prévoit d’investir plus de 1 milliard $ pour « amener le lithium de Manono sur les marchés occidentaux ».

Peu de détails ont été révélés dans le communiqué daté du 6 mai et signé par Kurt House et Nigel Ferguson, respectivement CEO de KoBold et d’AVZ. Mais selon des informations relayées en mars par l'Agence Ecofin , AVZ recevrait une compensation pour abandonner ses prétentions sur Manono, au profit de la société américaine. Celle-ci développerait alors la partie sud du gisement, tandis que la section nord resterait sous le contrôle du chinois Zijin Mining.

Une partie du permis revendiquée par AVZ fait en effet l’objet d’un accord signé en 2023 entre la société congolaise Cominière et Zijin. Après avoir mis fin unilatéralement au partenariat qui le liait à AVZ, la Cominière a trouvé cet accord avec la Chine pour lancer l’exploitation du gisement en 2026. AVZ s’y oppose et a déjà fait condamner la Cominière à plusieurs amendes devant le tribunal arbitral, sans que la question de fond soit tranchée jusqu’ici.

Vers la fin de la procédure judiciaire ?

La situation a évolué au cours des derniers mois, avec la volonté de Kinshasa de nouer un accord sur les minéraux critiques congolais avec les États-Unis, en échange d’un appui de Washington visant à mettre fin à la guerre qui secoue l’est de la RDC. Au cours des négociations, la partie congolaise a proposé que les entreprises américaines investissent en RDC, ce qui a contribué à accélérer les plans de KoBold Metals. La compagnie, qui n’a jamais caché son intérêt pour les minéraux critiques congolais (cuivre notamment), pourrait hériter d’un projet qui héberge 669 millions de tonnes de ressources minérales titrant 1,61 % de lithium, selon une estimation d’AVZ publiée en janvier 2024.

Selon l’accord-cadre, la compagnie australienne a pris l’engagement de proposer au gouvernement congolais une suspension de la procédure d’arbitrage lancée pour reprendre le contrôle du projet Manono. Les deux parties se sont également engagées à travailler avec les autres acteurs impliqués, notamment les gouvernements congolais et américain, ainsi qu’à soutenir le processus de paix en cours de négociation.

Si ces annonces ravivent l’espoir de voir le potentiel du gisement se concrétiser, il faut préciser que rien de contraignant n’a encore été paraphé. Les positions de la Cominière et de Zijin Mining relatives à l’arrivée d’un nouvel acteur sur le projet Manono restent inconnues. En cas d’accord définitif, il faudra sans doute compter quelques années pour effectivement lancer la production de lithium, entre d’éventuels travaux d’exploration supplémentaire, des études de faisabilité et la mobilisation du financement. Sur ce dernier plan, notons que KoBold a bouclé en janvier un tour de table auprès des investisseurs ayant permis de lever 537 millions de dollars.

EU gives $36M boost to Czech Cinovec lithium project

Staff Writer | April 29, 2025 |

The European Union has confirmed a $36 million grant to advance the Cinovec lithium project in the Czech Republic, a key part of the bloc’s clean energy strategy. European Metals Holdings (EMH), the project's majority shareholder, announced that the funding... (abonnés)

Les prix bas du lithium pèse toujours sur l'essor des projets miniers

RFI le : 27/04/2025 Par : Marie-Pierre Olphand

La société Atlantic Lithium qui opère au Ghana demande des concessions fiscales aux autorités en raison de l'évolution du marché ces deux dernières années. À l'instar de la société australienne, tous les investisseurs pâtissent de l'offre excédentaire qui a fait s'effondrer les prix de ce métal clé des batteries électriques depuis plus de deux ans. Ceux qui misent sur le continent africain ne sont pas épargnés.

Comme l'opérateur australien présent au Ghana avec le projet Ewoyaa, tous les investisseurs avaient tablé sur un boom de la demande en lithium pour alimenter la transition énergétique et accompagner le développement des véhicules électriques.

Mais rares sont ceux qui ne déchantent pas : depuis leur pic fin 2022, les prix ont chuté de plus de 80%. Ils ont atteint en avril un plus bas depuis quatre ans. Selon les projets, l'impact se ressent sur le calendrier de mise en production, voire sur la viabilité économique ou, sur les recettes, pour les mines déjà en activité.

Reprise des ventes de véhicules en Chine

Les ventes de véhicules électriques ont augmenté de 40% en Chine en un an, selon la China Passenger Car Association. Cela a joué sur la demande en lithium. Entre 2023 et 2024, elle a augmenté de près de 30%, selon les services géologiques américains (USGS) – soit 220 000 tonnes contre 170 000 tonnes en 2023.

L'offre minière a cependant encore été supérieure aux besoins en 2024 et cela ne devrait pas changer cette année, selon les analystes du cabinet CRU Group cité par l'agence Bloomberg, même si plusieurs mines en activité ont réduit leur capacité de production depuis 2023 d'environ 200 000 tonnes pour tenter de redresser les cours.

Le lithium attire toujours

Les difficultés sont les mêmes pour tous les investisseurs, et plusieurs projets dans le monde ont été retardés ou annulés l'année dernière, selon les données de l'USGS. L'année dernière, à titre d'exemple, le chinois Ganfeng, qui développe la mine de Goulamina au Mali, avait annoncé sa volonté de revoir certains de ses investissements sans spécifier lesquels.

Mais le lithium attire toujours. L'opérateur chinois Zijin Mining Group a annoncé en début d'année son intention de produire d'ici un an du lithium en République démocratique du Congo même si ce calendrier pourrait être remis en cause en raison d'un litige sur la licence d'exploration entre la société publique congolaise en co-entreprise avec Zijin et l'australien AVZ Minerals.

Le Zimbabwe, pays qui figure dans le top 5 des producteurs de lithium au niveau mondial, n'a pas levé le pied, au contraire, ses capacités de production ont augmenté l'année dernière.

Chile moves forward with lithium projects in three salt flats

Reuters | April 22, 2025

Chile’s government said it is moving forward with a simplified process to award lithium contracts in three salt flats, the mining ministry said on Tuesday.

The agency stated that it has accepted applications from Eramet in the Agua Amarga salt flat; from Eramet, Quiborax, and state-copper giant Codelco, for the Ascotan salt flat; and from the Caliche Kairos consortium for the Coipasa salt flat.

Leftist President Gabriel Boric introduced a plan to boost state control over lithium, a light metal key in electrical vehicles and the energy transition, in 2023 and form public-private partnerships to expand the industry.
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Argentina aims to boost lithium production by 75% in 2025, sees no risk from trade war

Reuters | April 8, 2025

Argentina, the world’s fifth-largest lithium producer, expects to produce 130,800 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in 2025, a 75% increase from 2024, the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAEM) said Tuesday.

The boost in production is expected to mostly come from new operations in Salta and expansions in Catamarca and Jujuy, the northern provinces with the largest lithium operations, according Alejandra Cardona, executive director of CAEM.

Argentina has six active lithium operations, four of which recorded production of 74,600 tons of LCE in 2024, 62% higher than in 2023, according to Cardona. South America has the world’s largest identified resource of lithium, spread between Bolivia, Argentina and Chile and is a key metal in electrical vehicles, batteries and the energy transition.

“The higher volumes (in 2024) are due to the expansion of operations at Salar de Olaroz, the Fenix mine, and the ramp-up carried out by Cauchari Olaroz,” Cardona said, adding that production also began at the Sal de Oro operation that opened in October 2024.

In a presentation by CAEM and the International Lithium Association (ILiA) in Buenos Aires, industry leaders said the Argentine mining industry will not be seriously affected by US President Donald Trump’s tariff measures.

Jorge Mora, ILiA’s representative in South America, said he does not expect a drop in consumption.

“The largest consumer of lithium is China, and the largest number of cars are produced in China, and the largest consumption of cars is in China. So, that’s outside of Trump,” Mora told Reuters, praising Argentina’s economic direction under libertarian President Javier Milei, who promoted tax benefits to attract investment.

Roberto Cacciola, president of CAEM, told Reuters that he doesn’t think Argentina will be “badly affected” by the trade war and it could potentially open up new markets for Argentina.

“The negative effects could be linked to a temporary drop in oil prices, a lower value of exports, and some difficulties for the aluminum and steel sectors,” Cacciola said, adding that in terms of energy, agriculture and mining Argentina “could face some shocks, but I don’t see any major consequences.”

Liontown begins underground production at Kathleen Valley lithium project in Australia
The development positions the mine as Australia's first underground lithium operation.

April 10, 2025

Battery minerals provider Liontown Resources has initiated underground production at the Mt Mann orebody of the Kathleen Valley lithium operation in Western Australia.

This development is a pivotal step in transitioning from open-pit to underground operations throughout fiscal year 2026 (FY26). It positions the mine as Australia’s first underground lithium operation.

The commencement of underground production at Kathleen Valley is set to offer distinct advantages over traditional open-pit operations.

This includes cleaner ore extraction by minimising ore dilution from waste contamination. It also enables higher lithia recovery and better ore fragmentation, enhancing overall throughput efficiency.

Liontown managing director and CEO Tony Ottaviano said: “The successful commencement of underground stoping at our Kathleen Valley Lithium Operation on schedule is a proud milestone for Liontown.

“This achievement was made possible by advanced planning, the dedication of our team and the support from our mining partner, Byrnecut, ensuring the first stope blast at Mt Mann proceeded as planned.”

In March, trials validated the processability of the underground ore using previously extracted development ore.

These trials revealed a head grade of approximately 1.5% lithium oxide and recoveries of more than 70%, with the potential for further enhancements through ongoing recovery improvement projects.

The company’s focus remains on advancing the mine development, which includes progressing the decline, opening additional working areas and progressively ramping up the underground operations.

The near to mid-term objective for underground operations is to safely focus on high-margin ore and optimise value.

The mill is due to be fed exclusively by underground output supplemented by stockpiles by the fourth quarter of FY26.

Ottaviano added: “As part of normal preparations and planning, we undertook underground ore trials in the March quarter, in advance of first stoping, to understand the optimal plant performance settings. The trials delivered results in line with our study work, which reinforces our confidence in transitioning to full underground operations.”

Liontown initially began lithium production at the Kathleen Valley lithium project in July 2024.