Covalent Lithium achieves first product at Kwinana lithium hydroxide refinery

Covalent Lithium announced today, that following completion of its internal validation processes, it can confirm in July 2025 it produced its first battery-grade lithium hydroxide at its refinery in Kwinana, Western Australia.

The commencement of production at the refinery is a pivotal moment in the development of Covalent Lithium’s fully integrated mine-to-refinery operation, which will supply battery-grade lithium hydroxide to global markets, including the growing electric vehicle industry.

Achieving first product is the result of years of planning, engineering, and construction, and reflects the capability, dedication and collaboration of Covalent Lithium’s project team and partners.

While this is a significant step forward, it is also the beginning of the next phase. With first production achieved, the operation is expected to ramp-up to 50,000 tonnes per annum nameplate capacity over the next 18 months.

Covalent Lithium CEO Ross Martelli said the achievement reflected years of dedicated work across the business.

“This is a major achievement for the project,” Mr Martelli said.

“Pleasingly, construction and commissioning was completed within the cost guidance provided by our shareholders in early 2023.”

“The plant is performing as expected during early-stage production, enabling us to safely deliver first product to the refinery design specification.”

“This is a positive first step in our production ramp up phase, with the early, strong performance highlighting the capability and dedication of the entire team.”

“We’re now focused on safely ramping up production and delivering reliable, high-quality battery-grade product. In the immediate term, commercial samples are being prepared for product qualification.”

The Kwinana refinery supports the Australian Government’s Future Made in Australia and Western Australia’s Battery and Critical Minerals Strategy by strengthening local critical minerals processing capabilities. Covalent Lithium will play an important role advancing Australia’s position in global clean energy supply chains.

At full production, the operation will support the manufacture of batteries for approximately one million electric vehicles each year.

Covalent Lithium is a 50:50 joint venture between Wesfarmers Limited and Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM).