zinc Mining is preparing to raise production of spodumene concentrate from 400 tonnes a year to 440,000 tonnes at its $ 170 m Pilgangoora mining project in Western Australia 's Pilbara . production is scheduled for the Q2 , 2018 , with first lithium concentrate sales in the Q2 . J&R Optimum , the major shareholder in Altura , and partners each have binding offtake agreements for a minimum of 100,000 tonnes a year of spodumene concentrate for an initial five - year period . previously significant players in the Chinese lithium battery market had encouraged Altura to pursue the production expansion to 440,000 tonnes .
Altura Mining is preparing to raise production of spodumene concentrate from 220,000 tonnes a year to 440,000 tonnes at its $170m Pilgangoora lithium project in Western Australia's Pilbara. Commissioning is scheduled for the Q2, 2018, with first lithium concentrate sales in the Q2. J&R Optimum, the major shareholder in Altura, and Lionergy each have binding offtake agreements for a minimum of 100,000 tonnes a year of spodumene concentrate for an initial five-year period. Two significant players in the Chinese lithium battery market had encouraged Altura to pursue the production expansion to 440,000 tonnes.