Australia-based Altura Mining has officially opened its pilgangoora lithium mine in Western Australia. The company is looking to tap into the global demand for electric vehicle and static storage batteries.
The project has a production capacity of 220,000 tonnes per year of spodumene concentrate, although the company has already completed a definitive feasibility study to expand the project to 440,000 tonnes per year.
The Pilgangoora deposit is extracted by open pit methods enhanced by the shallow and thick mineralisation allowing spodumene ore to be extracted from the commencement of mining.
The mine opening, just 18 months from the start of construction, marks a further major milestone for the company. Altura recently celebrated the first lithium concentrate production and the start of product haulage to Port Hedland ready for export.
Altura’s Managing Director James Brown said the official opening was an occasion to celebrate the Company’s achievements.
“Today marks a significant event in the evolution of Altura, and credit goes to shareholders, employees and partners who have assisted in progressing the Company. It is an achievement to open a mine, and to do it in less than 18 months is testament to the drive and passion of all parties involved to build Altura into a world-class producer of high-grade lithium spodumene.”