- PLS Group progressing major expansion at its Pilgangoora lithium operation
- Expansion to support about 1,000 construction jobs and 500 ongoing operational roles, creating opportunities for local workers, contractors and businesses across the Pilbara
- Cook Labor Government contributing $11 million to upgrade the public section of the mine's access road
- Project to increase processing capacity and strengthen WA's position as a global lithium producer
The Cook Labor Government has welcomed PLS's decision to proceed with a $1.2 billion expansion of its Pilgangoora lithium operation, delivering about 1,500 jobs and creating new opportunities for Western Australian workers.
The company's $1.9 billion P2000 Expansion Project will lift average spodumene concentrate production to two million tonnes per annum and strengthen one of the world's largest hard-rock lithium operations.
This investment will deliver a significant economic boost across the Pilbara, including about 1,000 construction jobs and 500 ongoing operational roles.
Regional contractors and suppliers are expected to benefit from increased demand across engineering, construction, transport, maintenance, and site services.
Traditional Owners will also benefit from employment and contracting opportunities.
The Cook Labor Government is supporting the expansion by investing $11 million to upgrade Wodgina Access Road, an important freight route connecting Pilgangoora with Great Northern Highway and Port Hedland.
Works will include a new intersection with Great Northern Highway and about one kilometre of road realignment, improving safety for all road users, including heavy vehicles.
The upgrade will also provide more reliable wet season access and improve the efficiency of lithium freight transport.
P2000 is expected to target first ore in Q3 2029.
The expansion comes as WA's lithium industry recorded sales of almost four million tonnes of spodumene concentrate in 2025, the highest volume on record.
Pilgangoora is another example of continued investment in WA's world-leading resources sector, which supported more than 136,000 jobs in 2025.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"I welcome PLS's decision to expand Pilgangoora operation, which will support about 1,000 construction jobs, create 500 ongoing roles, and deliver new opportunities for local contractors and businesses across the Pilbara.
"This is exactly the kind of investment that keeps Western Australians in work today and creates the jobs of tomorrow.
"Every new mine, every expansion, and every tonne of lithium processed in WA means more jobs for Western Australians.
"That's why my government is supporting WA's world-leading resources sector so it can keep creating secure regional jobs, strengthening our critical minerals industry, and ensuring our State remains the engine room of the national economy."
Comments attributed to Deputy Premier and Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This $11 million investment is another example of the Cook Labor Government's strong track record of delivering crucial economic enabling infrastructure across Western Australia.
"Upgrading the Wodgina Access Road will strengthen a critical link between Pilgangoora and Port Hedland to more efficiently transport lithium and mining freight as its operations grow.
"Our investment will also deliver a new intersection at Great Northern Highway and about one kilometre of road realignment to improve safety for all road users.
"It's part of the Cook Labor Government's ongoing commitment to delivering a safe, reliable, and efficient road network, supporting local jobs and keeping our State's economy strong."
Comments attributed to Mines, Petroleum and Exploration Minister Daniel Pastorelli:
"PLS's billion-dollar-plus investment decision will create jobs, support regional businesses, and strengthen WA's position as a global leader in lithium production.
"As demand for battery minerals grows, projects like P2000 will ensure WA remains well placed to supply global markets.
"Pilgangoora showcases the expertise, infrastructure, and investment environment that continue to attract major resource projects to our State.
"Importantly, the project will expand employment and contracting opportunities for Traditional Owners and local communities across the Pilbara."
Comments attributed to Pilbara Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"This expansion is a major vote of confidence in the Pilbara and the skilled local workforce that continues to drive Western Australia's economic success.
"The creation of about 1,500 jobs will deliver real opportunities for Pilbara workers, local businesses, and communities while strengthening the region's position as a global critical minerals powerhouse."
Comments attributed to PLS managing director and CEO Dale Henderson:
"Pilgangoora has grown significantly over the past decade and as we look ahead, we are continuing to invest in the infrastructure needed to support the long-term potential of this world-class asset.
"These investments make sense to deliver for Pilgangoora today.
"They are expected to reduce operating costs, improve productivity, and strengthen the existing operation while also providing the infrastructure capacity required to support the increased scale of P2000.
"We welcome the Western Australian Government's initial funding commitment towards the Wodgina Road upgrades.
"Investment in enabling infrastructure is critical to maintaining the competitiveness of Western Australia's resources industry, and we look forward to working with both the State and Federal Governments to secure further funding and deliver these upgrades through a co-funded approach.
"We have built a strong operating position at Pilgangoora and remain focused on continuing to improve it. These investments are another step in strengthening our competitive position and supporting long-term value creation through the cycle."
Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Pilgangoora's expansion means more jobs, more investment, and more opportunities flowing directly into our region.
"Projects like this create well-paid local jobs, support Pilbara businesses, and help ensure our communities continue to grow and prosper for years to come."
