Extracting greater value from the battery materials supply chain by diversifying revenue streams is a key strategic focus for PLS in line with our ambition to become a fully integrated battery materials supplier.
The Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant Project aims to establish the world’s first industrial scale electric spodumene calciner, which has the potential to decarbonise one of the most carbon intensive processes in the battery materials supply chain.
If successful, the project has the potential to reduce transport volumes and cost, and carbon emission intensity (when powered by renewable energy) and create more value at the mine site.
Construction of the Project was completed in the December Quarter 2025 with plans underway for commissioning.
The project was established in 2013 as a joint venture with Australian technology company Calix Limited. In February 2026, PLS assumed full ownership, funding and operational responsibility of the
Demonstration Plant with Calix Limited providing technical support. For more information about the revised agreement refer to the ASX announcement.
The project has received $20M from the Australian Government under the Modern Manufacturing Initiative and $15M contribution from the Western Australian Government under the Investment Attraction Fund.
PLS and Ganfeng signed a binding term sheet in March 2024, agreeing to complete a joint Feasibility Study for a potential downstream conversion facility to produce lithium chemicals.
The study will consider a conversion plant with capacity to produce ~32,000 tonnes per annum of lithium carbonate equivalent of lithium chemicals (hydroxide and/or carbonate) along with a potential intermediate lithium chemical facility in Australia, leveraging Ganfeng’s extensive experience as a lithium chemical converter.
Operating costs, capital costs, fiscal incentives, and overall economics of a potential lithium chemicals plant in various jurisdictions together with a qualitative assessment of other relevant factors including ESG, permitting timeline and supply chain logistics will be considered as part of the study.
Location assessment will focus on an agreed list of countries, including Australia where PLS’ flagship Pilgangoora Operation is located, to explore greater geographical diversification in the battery chemicals supply chain.
The outcomes of the Feasibility Study are expected to be finalised towards the end of calendar year 2025.