LATEST NEWS FROM COVALENT LITHIUM
Media release
Covalent Lithium opens Mt Holland lithium mine and concentrator
7 March 2024
Covalent Lithium, a 50:50 joint venture partnership between Wesfarmers Limited and Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile’s (SQM), has officially recognised the successful construction and commissioning of the Mt Holland lithium mine and concentrator at an opening ceremony today that was presided over by the Hon Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia.
Commissioning represents a significant milestone for the Mt Holland lithium project, located 400 kilometres east of Perth in Western Australia, where spodumene concentrate production is now underway, and the plant is ramping up to nameplate production and on track to deliver 100,000 tonnes this financial year.
Once construction of the Covalent refinery in Kwinana is complete and commissioned, Covalent Lithium will be a fully-integrated producer and supplier of premium, battery-grade lithium hydroxide for the global electric vehicle market.
Wesfarmers Managing Director Rob Scott said the lithium joint venture was one of Wesfarmers’ key growth platforms that would deliver long-term value to shareholders, benefitting from global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“When we made our initial investment into Mt Holland four years ago, we saw an opportunity to enter the lithium market and leverage our expertise in chemical processing here in Western Australia. It’s pleasing to see the successful commissioning and ongoing ramp-up of spodumene production,” Mr Scott said.
“We are continuing to advance studies to expand the Mt Holland mine and concentrator, and the next key milestone for Covalent is completing construction of the Kwinana refinery, which remains on track for late 2024.”
SQM Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Ramos said the successful commissioning of the concentrator was one step closer to realising Covalent’s vision of enabling clean energy on a large scale.
“We are excited to see the project coming to fruition. Covalent will produce enough battery-grade lithium hydroxide to enable the manufacture of more than one million electric vehicles each year,” Mr Ramos said.
“We are confident that the high quality of the Mt Holland deposit and the joint venture’s expertise in downstream processing will position Covalent to support global decarbonisation efforts.”
Read WesCEF press release
International Women’s day 2023
The team at Covalent had a blast celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) this year!
In the lead up to the day a group of twenty team members were delighted to attend AusIMM’s Perth IWD event. They joined workshops and seminars throughout the day, and listened to the inspirational keynote address from Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert.
On the day, the entire team celebrated at our Perth and Kwinana offices, as well as at our mine site in Mount Holland. A spectacular colour blast marked the beginning of celebrations on-site in Mount Holland, followed by a special morning tea at all three sites.
Team members who attended AusIMM’s event shared their experiences and learnings from the day with the wider group, and everyone enjoyed the chance to come together and celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of women at Covalent Lithium.
“What a fantastic opportunity to mix with like-minded individuals, learn, and celebrate International Women’s Day. Sharing what we learnt with the Covalent team at the IWD morning tea was an added bonus!” said Manager Legal, Annabel Hardy.
If you would like to view our IWD celebrations and the Mount Holland colour blast please follow the link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/covalent-lithium-pty-ltd_embraceequity-embraceequity-activity-7039169201625841664-iBxv?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Northfleet Managing Director Toby Hagen with Covalent Lithium’s Tim Gilbert
Sustainability first for Mt Holland
September 2022
Recently, the Covalent Lithium team travelled to Sydney to launch our new electric-powered site transport bus at the Bus & Coach Expo.
Our bus is the first electric-powered bus on an Australian mine site and will be transporting our Mt Holland team to and from work each day, as part of our commitment to a green energy future.
Once operational, our lithium mine and refinery will produce 50,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually, enabling the production of 1.1 million electric vehicles per year.
“We are constantly looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact at our Mt Holland operation. Commissioning an electric bus reduces the carbon emissions of our operation and supports our commitment to sustainability. This was an exciting step for Covalent Lithium,” Tim Gilbert, General Manager, Mining, Covalent Lithium.
Covalent Lithium’s Florence Drummond with Anthony Mundine and Travis Tucker
Covalent lithium attends the indigenous engagement BUSINESS FORUM
SePTEMBER 2022
In September 2022, Covalent Lithium’s Indigenous Engagement Advisor, Florence Drummond, attended the Indigenous Emerging Business Forum (held at Crown Perth), to network with vendors and foster connections with Indigenous suppliers.
Indigenous Emerging Business Forum (IEBF) is a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on encouraging and assisting employment and business development opportunities for First Nations peoples.
With over 100 emerging and established Indigenous organisations from across Australia exhibiting, this event was a “must attend” for procurement specialist looking to engage with Indigenous businesses.
“The event was a great opportunity to network and connect with Indigenous businesses. We look forward to increasing the number of Indigenous businesses we work with and finding opportunities to invest in local suppliers,” said Florence Drummond, Covalent Lithium’s Indigenous Engagement Advisor.
IEBF’s Vision is to grow economic and social wellbeing objectives by creating a forum of cutting-edge technology, business development, corporate networking, business advice and network introductions to encourage growth in Indigenous-owned and operated business.
Covalent Lithium is proud to support IEBF and recognises the strength, diversity and opportunities that Indigenous businesses bring to industry. We look forward to continuing our connection with Traditional Owners.
Covalent connects with industry at the AusIMM Lithium, Battery & Energy Metals conference
SEPTEMBER 2022
Covalent Lithium was delighted to attend the AusIMM Lithium, Battery & Energy Metals Conference at Optus Stadium in September 2022.
The event was an opportunity to hear from industry leaders and subject-matter experts on the trends and issues affecting the lithium industry – and they didn’t disappoint.
In full production, Covalent Lithium will produce enough lithium hydroxide to enable one million electric vehicles to replace regular vehicles on the road, each year. As such, we were delighted to hear from speakers who focussed on what will be required to respond to the global demand for lithium from electric vehicle battery manufacturers, and what they consider the next steps to be.
Covalent Lithium CEO, Ryan Hair, said the event was a great success.
“The AusIMM Lithium, Battery & Energy Metals Conference was a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry and meet like-minded businesses from the sector,” said Mr Hair.
“This is the first time we’ve had a presence in the exhibition hall and our team took the opportunity to connect with industry peers and get up to speed with the latest developments. We look forward to attending the next one!”
Covalent celebrates R u ok? day
SEPTEMBER 2022
At Covalent Lithium, we focus on building strong and connected teams who drive and live by the Covalent Lithium Values of Purpose, Care, and Accountability. When it comes to health and safety, this means caring for and looking after each and every team member, ensuing they get home safely, every day.
Our commitment to health and safety includes supporting initiatives which recognise, encourage, and promote positive mental health.
In September 2022, the Covalent Lithium team acknowledged #RUOKDay2022 with events held across all our sites and offices.
At our Kwinana Refinery and Perth Office, we welcomed Kate Kendrick who shared her story and experiences about the importance of supporting those around us – even if we don’t feel qualified.
Keith Satie, Covalent Lithium’s Health & Safety Manager, said events like RUOK? Day are an important opportunity to come together and spread awareness of mental health issues.
“Creating environments which foster positive mental health outcomes is something we strive for at Covalent Lithium,” said Mr Satie.
“We are proud to support initiatives which reflect our commitment to our staff’s wellbeing. For us, RUOK? Day represents an ideal opportunity to come together, check-in, and connect with our colleagues.”
R U OK? is a harm-prevention charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives.
Their work focuses on building the motivation, confidence and skills of the help-giver – the person who can have a meaningful conversation with someone who is struggling with life.
Covalent Lithium is proud to support RUOK?’s mission to create a world where we are all connected and empowered to help others.
naidoc week celebrations
JULY 2022
At Covalent Lithium, we pride ourselves on respecting and working with the local communities in the areas we operate.
This includes developing and maintaining industry and community alliances, and exploring engagement opportunities to support local community education and health initiatives.
In July 2022, Covalent Lithium celebrated NAIDOC Week with events at all our sites.
Our Kwinana Refinery team welcomed Mervyn (Nick) Abraham – a Nyoongar family man with direct connection to the Whadjuk, Yued, Ballardong, Wilmen, Wardandi and Binjerup People and Country – who delivered a moving Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony. We were delighted to share the experience with our Melchor, Civmec and DECMIL contractor teams.
“By re-connecting with our culture, values, purpose and leadership today, and educating ourselves and those around us, we can work together to build a better Nation for tomorrow,” said Mr Abraham.
Our Perth office welcomed Danny Ford - a Noongar man with connections to Whadjak, Ballardong, Wilman and Yuat clans - to open NAIDOC Week. Together, they enjoyed a bush tucker lunch prepared by Kuditj Kitchen. Kuditj, meaning think and reflect, operates as the only Aboriginal-owned and operated catering facility in Perth.
Danny delivered a number of Aboriginal cultural awareness training sessions over the week, and we appreciated him sharing his knowledge and family history with our team.
Our Mt Holland team were joined online for a yarn with Marlinyu-Ghoorlie Traditional Owner, Mark Champion, before enjoying a delicious bush tucker dinner in the mess.
NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
Covalent Lithium is proud to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, live and play. We support the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.