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| Calix |
Calix and Pilbara Minerals Secure $15 Million for Lithium Phosphate Production
Calix Ltd. and Pilbara Minerals (PLS) are set to resume their mid-stream demonstration plant project after receiving $15 million in funding from the Western Australian Government. The initiative, focused on producing lithium phosphate using Calix’s patented electric calcination process, was temporarily halted in October 2024 due to fluctuating lithium market conditions. With the funding secured, construction at PLS’ Pilgangoora lithium operation in the Pilbara will now proceed, with completion and commissioning targeted for the December 2025 quarter.
Strategic Advancement in Lithium Processing
The project aims to revolutionize lithium refining by implementing an electrified calcination process that reduces costs and carbon emissions. Calix CEO and Managing Director Phil Hodgson expressed enthusiasm about the project’s restart, emphasizing its potential to transform global lithium processing.
“We stand ready with PLS to demonstrate the exciting potential of electrification for lower cost and lower carbon lithium processing to the global lithium industry,” Hodgson stated.
PLS CEO and Managing Director Dale Henderson also highlighted the significance of the project, noting its potential to generate local employment and enhance the economic value of lithium processing in Western Australia.
“This technology could create additional local jobs while producing a higher-value, lithium-enriched product at the mine site,” Henderson said. “A more concentrated product reduces transport volumes and ensures more value is captured onshore for Australia.”
Economic and Industrial Impact
The project is expected to create approximately 80 jobs during the construction phase and 35 operational jobs. By advancing a more sustainable and efficient lithium refining process, the collaboration between Calix and PLS represents a major step forward in the region’s resource sector.
