Albemarle Lithium Pty Ltd has awarded Metso Outotec an order for two pyro processing and comminution lines for their Kemerton lithium hydroxide processing plant in Western Australia. Previously, Metso Outotec has delivered two similar pyro process lines to the plant.

Metso Outotec’s delivery consists of rotary calciner kilns and coolers, Premier ball mills, acid roast indirect rotary kilns and coolers for the pyro processing lines, as well as advisory services for installation and commissioning.

More than 90% of the approximately €55 million order value is booked in Metals’ fourth-quarter orders received and the rest in Minerals’ orders received.

The Albemarle Kemerton lithium hydroxide conversion plant, located in the south-west region of Western Australia, will process spodumene ore (containing 6% lithium oxide), transported from the Talison Mine at Greenbushes, to produce lithium hydroxide product and a sodium sulfate by-product.

Kemerton is expected to have an initial capacity of about 50,000 metric tons LCE of lithium hydroxide.