Global giant Albemarle has moved a step closer to selecting Kemerton as the site for an advanced lithium manufacturing plant to convert the lithium concentrate, currently produced from spodumene at Greenbushes, into Lithium Hydroxide.  Presently, almost all lithium ore mined in WA is either shipped as ore or concentrated and then shipped to overseas lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate manufacturing plants.  A plant of this size would be the largest resource expenditure this region has seen, and provide hundreds of local jobs in both the construction and operational phases.

The Bunbury Geographe Growth Plan is looking forward to hosting a senior Albemarle executive at an industry function in mid-January and receiving an update on how the project is progressing through the approvals process.

Albemarle has commenced the environmental approval process for the project.