Mid-Stream Lithium Project 74% Complete, On Track for December 2025 Commissioning

Project Recommencement and Funding

Calix Limited (ASX: CXL), an environmental technology innovator, has announced the recommencement of its Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant Project in partnership with Pilbara Minerals Limited (ASX: PLS). This follows a pivotal $15 million grant awarded by the Western Australian Government, which will reduce the construction cost burden for both JV partners. The project, which had previously been paused, is now back on track and remains on budget.

As of the end of December 2024, the Mid-Stream Project is 74% complete, with construction and commissioning expected to be finalised in the December quarter of 2025. This timeline underscores the JV’s commitment to advancing the technology without delay.

Strategic Importance and Technology Potential

The Mid-Stream Project is designed to revolutionise lithium processing by enabling cost-effective mineral processing directly at the mine site. This approach not only aims to capture greater value from Australian mineral resources but also aligns with global decarbonisation efforts by reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional lithium extraction and processing methods.

Calix’s patented platform technology leverages indirect heating of raw materials, allowing for more efficient and renewable-powered mineral processing. The JV’s focus on electrification and sustainability could position this project as a benchmark for lower-cost, lower-emission lithium production, a critical factor given the surging demand for lithium in battery manufacturing and clean energy technologies.

Broader Industry Implications and Future Prospects

Beyond the immediate project, the JV is actively exploring opportunities to scale and deploy this mid-stream technology across the global spodumene industry. This signals a strategic vision to not only commercialise the technology within Australia but also to capture a share of the expanding international lithium market.

Calix CEO Phil Hodgson emphasised the company’s readiness to demonstrate the technology’s potential, highlighting the importance of government support in accelerating industrial decarbonisation. The collaboration with Pilbara Minerals and backing from state and federal governments provide a strong foundation for future growth and innovation in sustainable mineral processing.

Investors and industry watchers will be keen to monitor the project’s progress through to commissioning and its subsequent impact on Calix’s positioning within the critical minerals sector.