Albemarle announces agreement with Mineral Resources to form lithium JV

Upon closing of the transaction, Albemarle would acquire a 50% interest in all mineral rights within the Wodgina tenements, other than iron ore (which will be retained exclusively by MRL) and tantalum (which remain held by a third party), the spodumene concentration plant and all other fixed infrastructure, utility assets and mobile mining equipment to be used in the Wodgina Project, other than the crusher (which will remain owned and operated by MRL), for a purchase price of US$1.15 billion. The parties would jointly manage the JV through a company to be owned in equal shares by the parties.

After closing of the acquisition and completion of the construction and ramp-up of the spodumene concentration plant, the Wodgina Project is expected to produce approximately 100 000 tpy lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). This is planned to be used as feedstock for the future lithium hydroxide plant.

The parties would jointly fund, design, build and operate a battery grade lithium hydroxide plant to be constructed at Wodgina in two stages of up to 50 000 tpy LCE each, utilising Albemarle's core design.

The transaction has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies and is expected to close in the second half of 2019, subject to receipt of required antitrust and other regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/17122018/albemarle-announces-agreement-with-mineral-resources-to-form-lithium-jv/