Mid-Stream
Demonstration
Plant Project

Advancing processing innovation and value chain integration

The Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant Project is a demonstration-scale processing facility at our Pilgangoora Operation in Western Australia.

Through the Demonstration Plant, we are testing whether more value can be captured at the mine site by converting spodumene concentrate into lithium phosphate before export.

PLS Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant

At a glance

100%

PLS ownership

~3,000 tpa

expected Li phosphate output

Pilgangoora

Western Australia

First product

September Quarter 2026

Testing world-first processing
technology at Pilgangoora

The Demonstration Plant applies electric flash calcination technology developed by Calix Limited to convert spodumene concentrate into a more lithium-enriched product.

It represents the world’s first commercial-scale application of this technology in primary lithium processing.

The technology targets one of the most energy-intensive stages in lithium processing and, when powered by renewable energy, has the potential to support a lower-emissions intensity processing pathway. The Demonstration Plant will be powered by Pilgangoora’s integrated on-site energy system, which combines solar generation and battery energy storage with gas-fired generation.

High quality spodumene feedstock from our Pilgangoora Operation provides a strong foundation for testing the technology at scale.

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Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant aerial view at night
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Simplifying delivery and execution

The Demonstration Plant was established with Calix Limited (Calix), with ongoing collaboration to advance the technology.

In February 2026, we acquired Calix’s interest in the joint venture, assuming full ownership, funding and operational responsibility. This simplifies governance and aligns funding, risk and execution while providing a more streamlined pathway to progress the technology.

Calix continues to provide technical support and grants us a perpetual, royalty-free licence to use its calciner technology in primary lithium processing applications.

Unlocking commercial potential

The Demonstration Plant will generate operating data and product samples to support future commercial-scale development.

During commissioning and ramp-up, we will assess plant performance, product quality, operating efficiency, market acceptance and emissions intensity reduction potential. Lithium phosphate produced at Pilgangoora will be supplied to Ningbo Ronbay, a global battery materials manufacturer. This offtake agreement will support product validation and provide direct exposure to the cathode end of the battery supply chain.

If successful, the technology could support future deployment at our operations and potential third-party licensing opportunities. This forms part of our broader strategy to expand participation across the battery materials value chain and evaluate future downstream growth opportunities.

Construction of the Project was completed in the December Quarter 2025 and commissioning commenced in April 2026. First product is expected in the September Quarter 2026.

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PLS Managing Director and CEO Dale Henderson with WA Premier Roger Cook

Supported by government and industry

The Demonstration Plant received significant support both the Australian and Western Australian Governments, reflecting its potential contribution to lower-emissions processing and increased onshore value-add in Australia’s critical minerals sector.

This included up to $38.1 million in grant funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) under its Advancing Renewables Program to support operating costs during the validation phase. Construction was supported by $20 million from the Australian Government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative and $15 million from the Western Australian Government’s Investment Attraction Fund.

Delivering regional impact

The Mid-Stream Demonstration Planet created around 100 jobs during construction and around 40 jobs during operation, with potential for further employment if the technology is commercialised at a larger scale.

As commissioning progresses, the Demonstration Plant is expected to play an important role in supporting broader regional development and innovation in Australia’s critical minerals sector.

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Global battery supply chains are still taking shape in this high-growth market, and over time the most competitive and technologically viable pathways will determine where long-term value is captured.

Dale Henderson, Managing Director and CEO

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