Australian mining company Pilbara Minerals and its joint venture (JV) partner POSCO Holdings have announced the completion of Train 2 at their joint Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate Chemical Facility in Gwangyang, South Korea.
This move marks the establishment of what is claimed to be Korea's first lithium hydroxide plant.
The facility is expected to have a production capacity of up to 43,000t of battery-grade lithium hydroxide each year. This is enough to potentially make batteries for approximately one million electric vehicles.
As part of long-term offtake agreement, Pilbara is responsible for the supply of spodumene concentrate from its Pilgangoora Operation in Western Australia to the South Korean facility.
The JV between POSCO and Pilbara Minerals, POSCO Pilbara Lithium Solution (PPLS), was established in 2021.
POSCO holds 82% in the JV, which owns and operates the facility. Pilbara Minerals owns the remaining 18% interest.
Pilbara Minerals expects the ramp-up phase for Train 2 to be achieved within 12 to 18 months following the completion of its commissioning.
The project’s Train 1 commenced ramping up production in 2024, with the process of certification for the battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate already under way with several South Korean customers.
Pilbara Minerals non-executive director Steve Scudamore said: “Our partnership with POSCO began six years ago in 2018 with a bold vision to diversify global battery chemicals production.
“We are looking forward to continuing our long and prosperous partnership with POSCO in the many years to come. Together, we are working to make a difference in the world by enabling a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.”
