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Article in smh and Gillett news:

The Rise of Lithium: A Shifting Focus at the Diggers and Dealers Mining ForumAbout three weeks ago, Jonathon Riley embarked on a 13-day journey from Sydney to Kalgoorlie on his new Ducati motorbike. Riley, an anaesthetist and a shareholder in lithium miner Liontown Resources, decided to attend the Diggers and Dealers mining forum taking place in Kalgoorlie. This annual event attracted thousands of professionals from the mining industry, with a noticeable shift towards lithium and critical minerals companies. Lithium is a vital component in modern batteries used for storing renewable energy and powering electric vehicles. With the transition to electric transport gaining momentum, manufacturers are scrambling to secure lithium supply. Lithium miners like Pilbara Minerals and Liontown Resources are poised to benefit from this growing demand. Pilbara Minerals’ CEO, Dale Henderson, believes that the outlook for lithium is promising, as the world needs more lithium than what is currently available.However, there is a potential risk of a gap between lithium supply and demand. IGO’s CEO, Matt Dusci, highlights the importance of filling this gap to prevent manufacturers from seeking alternative battery technologies. China, currently the largest producer of lithium, already produces a significant amount of lithium hydroxide. Dusci predicts that Western Australia will produce a similar amount by 2030.Unlike iron ore producers, lithium companies are interested in capturing profits from processing their lithium ore and fostering a local battery manufacturing industry. IGO, in partnership with Tianqi Lithium Corporation, owns the Kwinana Lithium Hydroxide Refinery, which is processing ore from Australia’s largest lithium deposit. However, the ramp-up of production is hindered by engineering issues.Mining explorers are just beginning to tap into the potential of large-scale lithium finds, indicating a positive future for the industry. The rise of lithium has garnered significant attention, overshadowing other sectors like gold mining. Despite this, Australia has benefitted economically from China’s emergence as a superpower. The Diggers and Dealers mining forum served as a platform to discuss the growing demand for lithium and the future of the industry.