Kemerton Expansion

DOUBLING CAPACITY - CREATING NEW JOBS – LONG TERM BENEFITS

Albemarle's $2 billion expansion project will double the capacity of Kemerton operations, securing Western Australia's position as a critical player in the global lithium industry and green energy future.

The worldwide push to reduce carbon emissions and the boom in lithium storage and electric vehicle manufacturing has boosted demand for high-quality lithium and refined products from safe and reliable free-trade status sources like Australia.

The Kemerton plant is designed to process nearly 1 million tonnes of spodumene ore concentrate per annum, sourced from the Talison Greenbushes operation. A Kemerton plant operating with four processing trains at full capacity would produce 100,000 metric tonnes of battery grade lithium hydroxide annually.

The Kemerton plant has been developed in a phased approach. Phase one included the construction, commissioning, ramp-up, and operations of two production trains capable of producing 50,000 metric tonnes of lithium hydroxide per year at full capacity. Phase two – the Kemerton Expansion Project (KEP), will double production capacity and also allow for future enhancement of product quality. 

With construction of processing trains now underway, expansion at Kemerton is an exciting opportunity for the State and the South West region, which will continue to deliver significant economic benefits through jobs in construction and in operations, and opportunities for local supply, business and community investment.