Mineral Resources (MinRes) and Pilbara Minerals have signed a commitment agreement with the highly anticipated Lumsden Point facility, marking the facility’s first customers.
The agreements will enable Pilbara Ports, the owner and operator of the Lumsden Point facility, to progress securing tenure with Pilbara Minerals and the MARBL joint venture shared between MinRes and Albemarle, which will allow them to start developing their new facilities at the port.
“The (WA) Government is delivering on its commitment to diversify trade in the Pilbara by progressing this development at Lumsden Point,” Western Australian Mines and Ports Minister David Michael said.
“The project has been progressing rapidly, with the seawalls at Lumsden Point nearing completion, enabling the next stages of the project to get underway, including dredging and causeway construction.
“It’s fantastic to see the first customers secured, a crucial step in the overall project. The Cook Government continues to invest in infrastructure that fuels future prosperity and supports regional jobs growth.”
Lumsden Point comprises a new multi-user facility and logistics hub that is located in the Port of Port Hedland in WA.
Partially funded by a $129.1 million contribution from the WA Government, the facility will enable the export of battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates, the import of renewable energy infrastructure including wind turbines and blades, while supporting the growth of direct shipping services to the Pilbara. It will also include a general cargo berth and minerals export berth.
The Commonwealth Government also contributed $565 million to common user port upgrades in the Pilbara, which included the Lumsden Point facility.
Pilbara Ports said further agreements are expected to be formalised in the upcoming months.
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