Global Lithium exploring Port of Esperance opportunities

One of the world’s busiest spodumene export ports could soon be even busier with Southern Ports and Global Lithium Resources jointly assessing the viability of exporting up to 240,000 tonnes annually through the Port of Esperance.

The agreement between the two companies focuses on offtake from the Manna Lithium Project, located 100km east of Kalgoorlie.

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said the Port of Esperance was a proven entity for potential customers looking to export spodumene in high volumes.

“More than four million tonnes of spodumene has been exported through Esperance over the past five years, making it the third-largest spodumene export port globally,” Mr Wilks said.

“Continued investment into Southern Ports assets, including at the Port of Esperance, means we are always ready to talk with existing and prospective customers about how we can best facilitate trade opportunities.

“By working with our customers, we are successfully diversifying throughput at each of our ports to be a resilient and reliable partner for regional industries and communities.”

A recently completed definitive feasibility study for the project indicated robust long life-potential.

Global Lithium Resources Director Dr Dianmin Chen said efficient and reliable logistics was paramount to the success of the Manna Lithium Project.

“This non-binding MOU with Southern Ports marks an important step in formalising our intentions to work together to explore the best possible export solutions through the Port of Esperance,” Dr Chen said. 

“We look forward to working closely with Southern Ports as we advance towards a final investment decision for the Manna Project next year."

Southern Ports also operates the Port of Bunbury, which the largest spodumene export in the world having exported more than 6.6 million tonnes over the past five years.

“As a port authority responsible for facilitating spodumene exports through different sites we are uniquely positioned to understand how to achieve efficient export operations of the commodity,” Mr Wilks said.

“With that experience in mind we are keen to work with Global Lithium to explore the opportunities that the Manna Lithium Project presents.”

Southern Ports works with more than 58 customers to facilitate trade through its three southern WA regional ports.