Name of the Project
Kwinana fertiliser project.
Location
Kwinana Industrial Area, Western Australia.
Project Owner/s
A joint venture (JV) between Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia and Independence Group (IGO).
IGO acquired a 49% interest in Tianqi Lithium in 2020 through a share subscription, giving the company a 49% interest in the Kwinana plant.
Project Description
The proposed project entails the construction of a dedicated liquid urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) pipeline, which will follow the alignment of the existing CBH grain terminal jetty, crossing the shoreline and proceeding underground to the proposed onshore facility.
The facility will comprise three liquid UAN storage tanks with a total capacity of
48 000 t; a shed for the storage of up to 80 000 t of dry fertiliser; water management infrastructure, including swales; a 3 000 m3 evaporation pond; hardstand areas, including access roads, truck washdown bays, a site office and amenities, as well as weighbridges.
Train 1 of the Kwinana refinery has a 24 000 t/y production capacity; construction of Train 2 will add a further 24 000 t/y in capacity.
The Kwinana facility will have the capacity to add two additional trains, taking full production capacity to 96 000 t/y.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Capital Expenditure
Not stated.
Planned Start/End Date
Phase 1 started May 2022. Phase 2 is slated to start in the first half of 2023.
Latest Developments
IGO has produced its first battery-grade lithium from the Kwinana lithium hydroxide refinery.
IGO has reported that, based on on-site laboratory tests, the JV has successfully and consistently produced battery-grade lithium hydroxide over several days. Once product samples have been independently verified, the product qualification process with offtake customers will start.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
IGO, tel +61 8 9238 8300 or email contact@igo.com.au.