PMET Resources has endorsed NRW Holdings’ ALi® atmospheric leach process for producing battery-grade lithium carbonate, highlighting its economic and environmental advantages. NRW is advancing commercialisation with ongoing testing and development plans.
- PMET identifies ALi® as preferred lithium flowsheet
- Bench-scale testing yields 99.8% battery-grade lithium carbonate
- ALi® process aligns with sustainability and logistics goals
- NRW exploring commercialisation pathways with global banks
- Plans for commercial-scale plant development underway
PMET Endorses ALi® Process for Lithium Production
PMET Resources Inc. has singled out the ALi® atmospheric leach process, developed by NRW Holdings’ subsidiary Primero Group, as the preferred method among seven evaluated processing options to produce a value-added lithium product. This endorsement is based on ALi®’s economic potential, logistical efficiency, and a favourable technical risk profile, according to PMET’s announcement on 15 June 2026.
The ALi® process also aligns closely with PMET’s sustainability objectives, focusing on environmental care and minimising the project’s ecological footprint. This endorsement marks a significant third-party validation of NRW’s proprietary technology, which has been under development and commercialisation discussions with global investment banks, as noted in NRW’s recent half-year report.
Successful Bench-Scale Testing in Perth
Primero conducted bench-scale testwork on spodumene concentrate samples from PMET’s Shaakichiuwaanaan project in Perth, Western Australia. The process produced lithium carbonate with a purity of 99.8%, meeting battery-grade standards. This result demonstrates ALi®’s technical viability and supports its potential for commercial application in lithium processing.
NRW’s Commercialisation Strategy and Development Plans
NRW’s CEO Jules Pemberton expressed satisfaction with PMET’s preliminary validation, highlighting the additional flow-through benefits identified in the PMET report. NRW is continuing its own developmental testing alongside third-party assessments to refine the process further.
The company is actively exploring the best commercialisation approach and assessing options with global investment banks. Plans to construct a commercial-scale ALi® plant are progressing, reflecting NRW’s ambition to transition the technology from pilot to industrial scale.
NRW’s Diversified Operations Support Growth
NRW Holdings operates across mining, civil construction, and infrastructure sectors with a workforce of around 13,000 people supporting projects in Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. Its MET division, which includes Primero, delivers tailored mine-to-market solutions and turnkey minerals processing projects, positioning NRW well to leverage the ALi® process’s commercial potential.
This development complements NRW’s recent contract wins and growth initiatives, including major infrastructure projects and acquisitions that have expanded its service capabilities and order book. The ALi® process could add a new dimension to NRW’s portfolio, especially in the battery materials segment, which is gaining strategic importance amid the global energy transition.
Bottom Line?
NRW’s ALi® process gains credible external validation, but commercialisation timelines and scale-up execution remain key hurdles to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly can NRW transition ALi® from pilot to commercial scale?
- What commercialisation models are being considered with investment banks?
- Could ALi® technology shift NRW’s revenue mix towards battery materials?