Cutting-edge Australian lithium refining technology is getting a multi-million-dollar boost from the Albanese Government, helping build sovereign critical minerals capability and capture more value from our resources here at home.
Through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Albanese Government is providing over $2.9 million to Electralith Pty Ltd to pilot its innovative 'R-Box' lithium refining technology.
Located in Kwinana in Western Australia, the R-Box pilot uses electricity to turn lithium contained in liquid waste from mining and processing into high-quality lithium needed to make batteries.
R-Box is fully electrified, can operate on renewable power, and uses significantly less water and fewer chemicals while producing fewer emissions than conventional lithium refining.
The total project cost is $7.3 million and is expected to take approximately 14 months.
Design will commence in 2026, with construction, commissioning and operations progressing over 2027.
If successful, Electralith plans broader adoption of its technology in Australia and globally.
Critical minerals processing is a key priority under the Albanese Government's Future Made in Australia agenda, helping Australia move up the global value chain and create new economic opportunities from the resources beneath our feet.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
"The world is electrifying quickly, global demand for lithium is surging and Australia is perfectly placed to help build the batteries underpinning modern society."
"Sovereign onshore lithium refining capability is critical to Australia's future, and we are proud to support Australian technology that can refine lithium more cleanly, using less water and producing fewer emissions."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King:
"Australia has a responsibility to step up and lead on critical minerals and rare earths globally."
"For too long we've let others capture the value of our minerals by processing them offshore."
"Projects like this mean we can refine our lithium right here in Western Australia, in an environmentally friendly way that reduces our water use and climate pollution while at the same time building sovereign capability and bolstering our security."
