- IGO (IGO) and partner Wyloo Metals secure a site in Perth’s south from the WA Government for a proposed integrated battery material (IBM) facility
- The nickel plant project in the Kwinana-Rockingham Strategic Industrial Area would represent the first commercial production of precursor cathode active material (PCAM) in Australia
- IGO Acting CEO Matt Dusci says securing the site is a “pivotal step” in delivering the company’s strategy to be vertically integrated into the battery supply chain
- The mining giant says it’s working with Wyloo toward a financial investment decision on the project, which will incorporate a downstream nickel refinery with PCAM
- Shares in IGO are up 4.55 per cent and trading at $13.33 at 12:33 pm AEST
ASX 200-listed IGO (IGO) and partner Wyloo Metals have secured a site in Perth’s south from the WA Government for a proposed integrated battery material (IBM) facility.
The mining giant said the project would be constructed in the Kwinana-Rockingham Strategic Industrial Area on around 30 hectares of vacant industrial land leased from the State Government.
It will reside adjacent to the Kwinana Lithium Hydroxide Refinery, owned by Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia (TLEA) — a joint venture between IGO and Tianqi Lithium.
IGO Acting CEO Matt Dusci said securing the site for its nickel plant was a “pivotal step” in delivering IGO’s strategy to be vertically integrated into the battery supply chain.
“The Kwinana-Rockingham Strategic Industrial Area is rapidly emerging as a globally significant battery material hub with existing lithium hydroxide production, established infrastructure and a skilled residential workforce,” Mr Dusci said.
IGO and Wyloo are working toward a financial investment decision for the project, which will incorporate a downstream nickel refinery with a plant producing high-value nickel dominant precursor cathode active material (PCAM).
The project would mark the first commercial production of PCAM in Australia and would align with the State Government’s bid to grow Western Australia’s future battery industry.
“Australia is already playing an important role in the global supply of critical minerals required as the world transitions to clean energy,” Mr Ducsi added.
“We need to continue to expand our participation throughout the battery supply chain, beyond just the mining of key raw minerals, in order to capture a greater share of the value.”
Before the financial investment decision, the parties will work through a number of other key workstreams, including engaging a partner with experience in PCAM production, delivery of a feasibility study in mid-2024, environmental permitting and approvals, broad stakeholder engagement and the achievement of key commercial outcomes.
“We strongly believe that by bringing the right partners together, we will deliver a
fully optimised nickel supply chain delivering low-cost, low-carbon, responsibly-produced battery chemicals for the global battery and electric vehicle industry, to be delivered through an integrated battery material facility here in Western Australia,” Mr Dusci said.
IGO and Wyloo are currently advancing discussions with a global battery chemical manufacturer which indicated strong interest in becoming involved in the project.
Shares in IGO were up 4.55 per cent and trading at $13.33 at 12:33 pm AEST.