Name of the Project
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode manufacturing project.

Location
Darwin, Australia.

Project Owner/s
Avenira.

Project Description
A March 2023 scoping study has demonstrated the technical and economic viability of Avenira’s modular train design to progressively scale production to meet the demand for electric vehicles and stationary storage.

The economics of the LFP plant have been considered at two initial scales of production – 10 000 t/y LFP cathode active materials (CAM) and 30 000 t/y LFP CAM, featuring a single-train and a three-train plant respectively. This approach enables Avenira to incrementally fund the project, using the cash flows from the initial 10 000 t/y development.

The project has a 20-year mine life.

Potential Job Creation
The 30 000 t/y plant will create more than 120 manufacturing jobs during operations.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The 10 000 t/y LFP CAM has an after-tax net present value, at a 10% discount rate, of A$138-million and an internal rate of return of 22%, with a payback of 3.5 years.

The expansion to 30 000 t/y has an after-tax net present value, at a 10% discount rate, of A$413-million and an internal rate of return of 22.4%, with a payback of two years.

Capital Expenditure
Preproduction capital for the 10 000 t/y LFP CAM is estimated at A$180-million and for the expansion to 30 000 t/y at A$527-million.

Planned Start/End Date
Construction is expected to occur over two years.

Latest Developments
Avenira has reported that it will progress the feasibility studies for the LFP project, based on the production parameters considered in the scoping study.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Bechtel Australia (scoping study); Advanced Lithium Electrochemistry (process design package, site inspection); and Flukes Value Management (renewable energy).

Contact Details for Project Information
Avenira, tel +61 8 9264 7000 or email frontdesk@avenira.com.