Page 157 - CW E-Magazine (10-9-2024)

News from Abroad

FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT
Galan Lithium inks deal to supply lithium chloride

to China’s Chemphys

Australian mineral exploration the forefront of producing high-grade
company with lithium exploration in lithium chemicals since 1998 and its
Argentina, Galan Lithium, and China’s founder played a key role in introduc-
Chengdu Chemphys Chemical Industry, ing spodumene to China almost 30
have signed an MoU involving an years ago. Interest in the location of the
advance payment of $40-mn, which Chemphys’ operations has also intensi-
enables the latter to buy 23,000 tonnes of fied recently after the province con-
lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), in firmed it wanted to become a “world-
the form of lithium chloride, to be pro- class lithium battery production base”
duced at the former’s Hombre Muerto mately, phase three, which will deliver within the next five years.
West (HMW) project in Argentina. 60,000-tpa of concentrate.
The MoU is valid for five years. China is encouraging battery manu-
The permitting process for the facturers to switch to the newer lithium
The $104-mn HMW project is project’s second phase is progressing ferro-phosphate (LFP) batteries given
under construction in Catamarca province steadily and the company says its appli- the improved weight, reliability and
and 40% complete. Production start is cations for both the HMW operation superior charging speed qualities they
scheduled for the second half of 2025, and its earlier-stage Candelas project command over the older lithium-ion
Galan said in a statement. are receiving staunch support from the versions. The LFP battery is produced
Catamarca Government. using a lithium carbonate feedstock –
The company recently reported it is which is cheaper to produce from
close to completing its fourth and fifth Chemphys is a leader in proces- the product that Galan is aiming to
evaporation ponds and once operational, sing lithium products in China and a export. By avoiding the costly step of
they are expected to produce 5,400-tpa “trusted partner” to some of the world’s acid-roasting spodumene before it is
of lithium concentrate. Future plans biggest battery manufacturers. Head- refined into a carbonate, brine producers
involve the project moving to phase- quartered in Sichuan Province’s capital have a significant advantage over hard
two production of 21,000-tpa and ulti- city of Chengdu, Chemphys has been at rock producers.

PROJECT UPDATE
BHP’s potash mine to start production in two years

Diversified Australian miner BHP’s The Jansen Stage 1 project will Stage 2 during the construction phase,
$5.7-bn Jansen Stage 1 potash project, have a ramp-up period of two years BHP aims to capitalise on the opera-
in Canada, is advancing swiftly with following initial production. Once fully tional benefits, including the expertise
first production now about two years operational, it is expected to produce of its integrated project team and the
away. “The team is making excellent about 4.15-mtpa of potash, a key ferti- continued partnership with existing
progress on construction and readying liser ingredient. suppliers and contractors.
it for the start of operations,” informed
CEO Mr. Mike Henry. In October last year, BHP approved Looking further ahead, BHP envi-
an additional $4.9-bn investment for sions Jansen as a cornerstone of its
Stage 1 is more than 50% complete Jansen Stage 2, which will double potash strategy, with the potential for two
and is tracking ahead of its original Jansen’s planned output to about 8.5-mtpa, additional expansions that could boost
schedule, keeping BHP on track to be a further solidifying BHP’s position in total production capacity to between
major global producer of potash by the the global potash industry. By transi- 16-mtpa and 17-mtpa, subject to further
end of the decade. tioning directly from Jansen Stage 1 to studies and approvals.

Chemical Weekly September 10, 2024 157

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