Refinery Optimisation Powers TLEA Strategy
4 August 2025
TLEA management are prioritising the long-term viability of its Kwinana Lithium Hydroxide Refinery by continuing to optimise plant operations, reduce production costs, and improve overall productivity.
CEO Raj Surendran said: “Modifications implemented over the past six to eight months have yielded positive results. Production has achieved run rates of 50 per cent and above, marking a significant milestone in operational performance.
“TLK has an optimisation pathway to nameplate capacity that is based on known issues. Our approach to ramping up is to systematically push operation of the plant to identify bottlenecks, plant reliability, and potential chemistry issues. As and when issues are identified, capital, operating and process solutions are developed and deployed.”
Mr Surendran said it had taken time and practical learning to understand the complex and unique operational nature and chemistry of the plant. “As a result of the joint efforts from TLC and our local workforce in operating the plant daily, we now have an excellent handle on the chemistry of the feed and how it reacts during processing,” he said.
“We continue to develop our knowledge of the mechanical, electrical, and throughput challenges, as it relates to production. Our approach to address these issues requires staged deployment as there is often a period of bedding down solutions to ensure the desired outcome is achieved.
“Our identified solutions are aimed at achieving nameplate design.”
Key Highlights
PRODUCT QUALITY
TLK lithium hydroxide continues to meet and exceed global standards for battery-grade quality, reinforcing its reputation as a premium product in the market.
QUALITY METRICS
- Over 98 per cent of TLK lithium hydroxide meets battery-grade specifications.
- Magnetics and impurity levels are consistently below and often outperform industry standards and requirements.
- ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications.
PRODUCTION RATES
Steady improvement in performance over the past four months with production approaching consistent 50 percent nameplate rates. The plant has also achieved peak production rates of greater than 60 per cent, indicating strong operational momentum.
PRODUCT SALES
On the production sales front there is very strong interest in TLK product due to its quality. TLK is on track to meet its 2025 sales target, with sales highlights being:
- Increasing demand from Europe, and Asia, driven by the global shift to electrification and sustainable technologies.
- Expansion into premium-grade applications, including grease and lubricant markets, further diversifying revenue streams.
- Product qualification across all markets achieved with multiple customers, and multiple others underway.
MARKET OUTLOOK
At TLEA we appreciate that market fundamentals remain strong, despite the current prolonged downturn.
This belief is underpinned by:
- Rising global demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems.
- Strategic interest from key regions in securing high-quality lithium supply.
- Investors and downstream customers focussing on supply chain sustainability and product quality.
- Growing interest in long term offtake agreements and vertical integration.
- Ongoing policy support for clean energy transitions.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Sharon Iannello | Corporate Affairs Manager
0419335692, Sharon.iannello@tlea.com.au
