Battery minerals provider Liontown Resources has initiated underground production at the Mt Mann orebody of the Kathleen Valley lithium operation in Western Australia.
This development is a pivotal step in transitioning from open-pit to underground operations throughout fiscal year 2026 (FY26). It positions the mine as Australia’s first underground lithium operation.
The commencement of underground production at Kathleen Valley is set to offer distinct advantages over traditional open-pit operations.
This includes cleaner ore extraction by minimising ore dilution from waste contamination. It also enables higher lithia recovery and better ore fragmentation, enhancing overall throughput efficiency.
Liontown managing director and CEO Tony Ottaviano said: “The successful commencement of underground stoping at our Kathleen Valley Lithium Operation on schedule is a proud milestone for Liontown.
“This achievement was made possible by advanced planning, the dedication of our team and the support from our mining partner, Byrnecut, ensuring the first stope blast at Mt Mann proceeded as planned.”
In March, trials validated the processability of the underground ore using previously extracted development ore.
These trials revealed a head grade of approximately 1.5% lithium oxide and recoveries of more than 70%, with the potential for further enhancements through ongoing recovery improvement projects.
The company’s focus remains on advancing the mine development, which includes progressing the decline, opening additional working areas and progressively ramping up the underground operations.
The near to mid-term objective for underground operations is to safely focus on high-margin ore and optimise value.
The mill is due to be fed exclusively by underground output supplemented by stockpiles by the fourth quarter of FY26.
Ottaviano added: “As part of normal preparations and planning, we undertook underground ore trials in the March quarter, in advance of first stoping, to understand the optimal plant performance settings. The trials delivered results in line with our study work, which reinforces our confidence in transitioning to full underground operations.”
Liontown initially began lithium production at the Kathleen Valley lithium project in July 2024.
“Liontown begins underground production at Kathleen Valley lithium project in Australia” was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
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