Pilbara Minerals, Calix explore new lithium refining process

Pilbara Minerals has signed a memorandum of understanding with Sydney-based technology company Calix Limited to jointly undertake a scoping study to evaluate a new refining process, the Australian lithium miner said on Tuesday May 11.

If the results of the scoping study – which will run until late 2021 – are positive, the two companies will set up a joint venture to develop a demonstration plant to produce concentrate lithium salt from the miner’s Pilgangoora project, it said.

The proposed demonstration plant will likely involve the processing of fine-particle, lower-grade spodumene concentrate from the project to creating a low-carbon, concentrated lithium salt that could be further refined into lithium battery raw materials or potentially used as a direct feedstock for the production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode, it said.

The spodumene supply chain is ripe for innovation, with the industry continuing to move through a rapid growth phase while downstream sectors look to lower the carbon footprint of their end-products, Ken Brinsden, Pilbara Minerals’ managing director and chief executive officer, said.

“We look forward to working with Pilbara Minerals on this exciting project for the hard-rock lithium industry, and also other mining and processing companies in other minerals to improve their industrial processes, reduce costs and increase their sustainability,” Phil Hodgson, managing director of Calix, said.

What to read next
Despite the current headwinds, strategic partnerships and continued investment in the right areas, coupled with the underlying strong long-term demand fundamentals, will pave the way for success for lithium producers, according to the participants of the executive panel during the Fastmarkets Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials Conference, which took place from June 23-26 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The US needs well-defined and stable policy around critical minerals, energy transition and trade, while derisking projects and maintaining good relations with other countries to be able to establish sustainable electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage systems (ESS) supply chains in North America, according to industry experts.
The US and Europe must adopt long-term, consistent policies and should learn lessons from China, according to lithium industry experts speaking at Fastmarkets’ Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials Conference in Las Vegas, US, over June 22-25.
Producers in Arkansas' Smackover Formation are advancing lithium extraction projects following recent regulatory approvals. Supported by oil and gas expertise and state incentives, the region is positioning itself as a key player in the US lithium supply chain.
Battery recyclers remain under pressure, with tight margins among black mass producers and refiners amid a host of challenges for the industry, according to delegates at Fastmarkets Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials Conference 2025, which took place in Last Vegas, Nevada, from June 23-26
The 2025 Fastmarkets Lithium Conference in Las Vegas highlighted critical issues shaping the battery supply chain, including lithium oversupply, funding struggles and the need for midstream investment. Discussions also emphasized the importance of interdependence with China and the challenges faced by recyclers amid policy uncertainty and market headwinds.