AT A GLANCE: Pilbara Minerals posts big rises in production, sales for Q3

A summary of Australian spodumene concentrate producer Pilbara Minerals' results for the third quarter of 2020, as stated in its operational report on Monday October 12.

In brief

  • Production of spodumene concentrate at the company’s Pilgangoora Lithium-Tantalum project, in Western Australia, increased by more than 80% quarter on quarter to 62,404 dry metric tonnes (dmt) in the July-September quarter.
  • A higher plant utilization rate resulted in lower operating costs averaging $355 per dmt on a cif China basis, the company said.
  • Third-quarter’sales of spodumene concentrate increased by nearly 50% quarter on quarter and in line with guidance provided in the June operational update.
  • Production levels exceed sales in the third quarter, with the company preparing deliveries for contractual customers as of October.
  • The company said sales volumes were up despite persistent weakness in spodumene prices, which was in line with the backdrop of sustained lower pricing across the lithium supply chain more generally.

Key figures for the third quarter (quarter on quarter percentage change)
Production

62,404 dmt, up 80%

Sales
43,630 dmt, up 50%

Dec 6-7 | Shanghai

Meet the Chinese and international market in the global hub of battery manufacturing. Enjoy expert insights and unique networking opportunities.

What to read next
Nearly 18 months since the first nickel-related lawsuit was filed against it in the English High Court, the London Metal Exchange has been cleared on all grounds and the charges against it dismissed.
The UK government’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) will consider all scenarios before a 10% import tariff on electric vehicles and their battery materials comes into effect on January 1 next year, it told Fastmarkets on Wednesday November 29
Western Australia (WA), Australia’s largest state, will evaluate the possibility of developing cathode active materials (CAM) production once precursor CAM (pCAM) output is up and running, Bill Johnston, the state’s Minister of Mines and Petroleum, told Fastmarkets
Eight key takeaways from our global battery raw material outlook that you should know for 2024 and beyond
Black mass payables have weakened in the key South Korean import market over the past week, with battery recyclers in the country cutting back on production amid a continued downtrend in metal prices, sources told Fastmarkets on Friday November 24
There is a sense of cautious optimism in the mining sector following the election of Javier Milei as the new president of Argentina on Sunday November 19, Fastmarkets understands