TLEA is pioneering a new industry in Western Australia and paving the way for Australians to play a greater role in the decarbonisation of the world’s economy.
The companies that make up our joint venture, Tianqi Lithium Corporation and IGO Ltd, have been active players in the Australian mining industry for some time now, and have a long history of innovation and investment in the WA economy. Now, we’re looking to the future. Through investments in both our Kwinana lithium hydroxide refinery – the first of its kind in Australia, and one of the largest, fully automated and continuous lithium hydroxide processing plants in the world – and Talison Lithium, in Greenbushes, WA, we have set ourselves up to deliver value for our customers, employees, shareholders, communities, and Australia, for the next 30 years.
Our history
1980's
Tianqi Lithium Corporation (TLC) enters the Western Australian market, importing spodumene concentrated at Talison lithium, in Greenbushes.
2014
TLC becomes the majority shareholder (51% interest) in Windfield, the shareholder of Talison Lithium, with US miner Albemarle holding 49%.
2016
In December, TLC announces plans to construct a lithium hydroxide processing plant in Kwinana.
2021
The Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia (TLEA) joint venture is formed between TLC and IGO Ltd.
First lithium is produced at the Kwinana plant.
2022
A monumental announcement: TLEA has produced its first battery-grade lithium hydroxide.
2023
Product qualification is achieved with a customer in Asia.
2024
Product qualification is achieved with a customer in Europe. First exports commence.
