So this is where lots of lithium ore will soon begin a journey from where they have existed since planet Earth came into being. Photo: Company The lithium from the Bald Hill Project (photo) will get to some gigafactory in China, and end up in batteries that will power lots of electric vehicles. This is part of a global shift, driven by governments and automakers, away from fossil-fueled vehicles for the sake of cleaner air. |
Demand for lithium is turning hot but supply is tight. For mines, getting to production takes years and requires lots of financing.
Among the first new producers globally in 2018 will be Singapore-listed Alliance Mineral Assets and its Aussie-listed JV partner, Tawana Resources.
Their timeline to production has already been billed as one of the fastest in the history of mine development in Australia.
That's thanks to, among other things, an offtake agreement, some existing infrastructure and, believe it or not, two 12-hour work shifts a day, seven days a week, supported (of course) by nice salaries.
For an awesome view of the current state of work, watch this 4-minute video shot from a drone circling in the hot sun above the site, the Bald Hill Project in Western Australia.
(Turn on the music. If you are on a desktop, click on "YouTube" or the full screen icon for a great view. On mobile, click on the full screen icon)