31 January 2025
A major expansion project at Pilbara Minerals’ Pilgangoora lithium operation (Pilgangoora Operation) in the Pilbara achieved first ore today.
The P1000 Expansion Project (P1000 Project) comprised of a major upgrade to the Pilgan Plant’s concentrator and supporting infrastructure resulting in a substantial increase in the Pilgangoora Operation’s total production capacity.
This expansion is expected to capture economies of scale and reduce future operating costs at the Pilgangoora Operation.
Pilbara Minerals Managing Director and CEO Dale Henderson emphasised the strategic importance of the expansion in unlocking the full potential of the Pilgangoora asset.
“Delivering a substantial increase in production capacity reinforces the exceptional scale and quality of the operation and aligns with our strategy to create optionality and the ability to scale-up in line with market demand,” Mr Henderson said.
“Continuing to drive down our operating costs to keep us at the lower end of the cost curve and increase our ability to thrive through market cycles is also a key part of our strategy.”
The $560 million capital expenditure investment in the P1000 Project was completed ahead of schedule and within budget.
“The successful project delivery is a testament to our team’s expertise in executing on schedule and budget. This milestone further builds on Pilbara Minerals’ successful project delivery track record.”
The P1000 Project also delivered a boost to the local economy with 560 workers on site during peak construction and ~50 permanent operational roles created.
“Our great people and contracting partners demonstrated exceptional teamwork to complete this project. More than 1 million hours were worked to complete P1000 with no lost time injuries which is essential to ensuring all our people go home safe and well at the end of the day.”
Commissioning is now underway with first ore achieved considered a major milestone and ramp-up to full capacity expected to be achieved in the September Quarter 2025.
The P1000 Project was approved by the Pilbara Minerals Board in March 2023 with construction getting underway in September 2023.
See more in the video below.