Altura Mining has shipped a record cargo of approximately 17,500 wet metric tonnes of spodumene concentrate to Chinese customers.
The latest cargo, which was loaded on the TBC Princess, departed Port Hedland on November 20 for Zhenjiang, near Shanghai.
Altura’s largest single cargo yet surpasses the 13,700 dry metric tonnes that set sail from the Pilbara in June.
According to managing director James Brown, Altura has established itself as a “key supplier” in the growing global battery market.
Brown said Altura’s “product is highly sought after by battery manufacturers and lithium converters in China” following the recent expansion at the project.
Since Altura began production at the Pilgangoora mine in July 2018, its total shipments to date approximate at 142,200 dry metric tonnes after their latest shipment, being the 17th.
Altura has offtake commitments for its entire nameplate annual production, capacity of 220,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate.
Despite a subdued marketplace for spodumene concentrate in recent month, Brown believes “the long-term demand outlook remains robust.”
Although a number of producers have recently announced reduction in production capacity or output, any excess supply of lithium concentrate is likely to be absorbed relatively quickly, enabling prices to strengthen in due course.