Tianqi produces Australia's first battery-grade lithium hydroxide

The McGowan Government has congratulated Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia, a joint venture between IGO and Tianqi Lithium, for producing Australia's first battery-grade lithium hydroxide at its plant in Kwinana.
  • Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia celebrates battery-grade lithium hydroxide in Kwinana
  • Development strengthens WA's position as a world-leader in exports of future battery minerals, materials, technology and expertise

The McGowan Government has congratulated Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia, a joint venture between IGO and Tianqi Lithium, for producing Australia's first battery-grade lithium hydroxide at its plant in Kwinana.

Lithium hydroxide produced at the Kwinana plant will be exported overseas and used in the production of high energy density batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Tianqi's plant is one of the few battery-grade lithium hydroxide facilities outside of China.

The plant employs 200 staff, and is expected to reach commercial production in the coming months once product qualification is achieved, with a nameplate capacity of 24,000 tonnes.

More than 900 jobs were created during the construction of Train 1, with further local employment expected when construction of Train 2 recommences.

The plant paves the way for further investments in Western Australia's battery and critical minerals value chain, including in advanced manufacturing of cathode active materials.

Tianqi is a member and important contributor to the Future Battery and Critical Minerals Industries Ministerial taskforce. For more information, visit: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/western-australias-future-battery-industry-strategy

Comments attributed to State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook:

"Western Australia has been exporting the minerals needed to make batteries for decades and today's milestone demonstrates our ability to manufacture battery-grade materials locally for global exports.

"It's great to see this burgeoning industry making Kwinana its home, further reinforcing the importance of the Industrial Area and the Western Trade Coast in positioning WA as a Global Advanced Industries Hub.

"Not only is Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia's Kwinana plant helping to diversify our economy, it has created 200 jobs for Western Australians."

Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:

"Congratulations to Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia on producing Australia's first battery-grade lithium hydroxide.

"This is not only a significant milestone for the joint venture, but also for Western Australia, and it is proof of the battery-grade materials we can produce locally.

"Tianqi's first-of-its-kind lithium hydroxide plant demonstrates Western Australia's capacity for downstream processing in the battery value chain.

"As demand continues to increase for renewable energy storage and electric car batteries the McGowan Government is committed to making sure Western Australia capitalises on its potential to be a world-leading producer of battery-grade materials."

Media contacts:

State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister's office - 6552 6500

Mines and Petroleum Minister's office - 6552 6700