IGO Limited has announced the acquisition of land in Kwinana from the Western Australian Government for its proposed integrated battery material facility.
This marks a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to become vertically integrated into the battery supply chain.
In partnership with Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest’s Wyloo Metals, the facility will combine IGO’s disruptive nickel refining technology with a plant producing high-value nickel dominant precursor cathode active material (PCAM) via a low-cost and low-carbon process.
Land secured for the facility is adjacent to the Kwinana lithium hydroxide refinery owned by Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia, IGO’s joint venture with China’s Tianqi Lithium Corporation.
Key workstreams to final investment decision
Several key workstreams must be completed before a final investment decision can be made on the proposed facility.
These include engaging a partner with experience in PCAM production, delivering a feasibility study by mid-2024, environmental permitting and approvals, broad stakeholder engagement, and the achievement of key commercial outcomes.
IGO and Wyloo are currently in advanced discussions with a global battery chemical manufacturer expressing strong interest in partnering on the project.
Australia’s expanding role in global battery supply chain
IGO acting chief executive officer Matt Dusci emphasised the significance of Australia’s role in the global supply of critical minerals for clean energy transition.
“Australia is already playing an important role in the global supply of critical minerals required as the world transitions to clean energy. We need to continue to expand our participation throughout the battery supply chain, beyond just the mining of key raw minerals, in order to capture a greater share of the value.”
“We believe the area where Australia can be most competitive is in midstream battery chemical processing,” he added.
Mr Dusci also highlighted the rapid development of the Kwinana-Rockingham Strategic Industrial Area as a globally significant battery material hub, with existing lithium hydroxide production, established infrastructure, and a skilled residential workforce.
Mr Dusci expressed gratitude for the support from the WA Government saying “I would like to acknowledge the support of the Western Australian State Government as we work together with a combined ambition of continued growth of the local battery chemical industry.”
