- Altura's Pilgangoora mine is WA's latest lithium project to start production
- The mine has created 130 operational jobs
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston today officially opened Altura Mining's Pilgangoora lithium mine, bringing the State's total number of lithium mines to seven.
Located 90 kilometres south-east of Port Hedland, the project will produce about 220,000 tonnes per annum of lithium spodumene concentrate.
The opening comes a few months after the McGowan Government announced the establishment of a Lithium and Energy Materials Industry taskforce to capitalise on the State's potential to produce and process lithium and other energy materials.
The taskforce is working closely with industry to develop a Lithium and Energy Materials Strategy to build on Western Australia's competitive advantages.
Last year, lithium sales in Western Australia reached $780 million and the sector employed more than 1,200 people.
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:
"On behalf of the McGowan Government, I congratulate Altura Mining, and their employees and contractors, on the opening of Pilgangoora and cementing themselves as one of the world's significant lithium producers.
"Our aim is to help companies like Altura develop the State's world-leading lithium industry, which creates opportunities and jobs for Western Australians.
"We have an abundance of lithium and other battery minerals, and the McGowan Government is committed to making the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.
