📋 Tender Overview
The decision by Albemarle to downgrade its lithium hydroxide processing operations in Western Australia underlines the continuing volatility of international critical minerals markets.
Our immediate concern is for the workers and the local community impacted by this decision.
The Government notes Albemarle has committed to support workers affected and to work with unions and the local community.
As Albemarle has made clear, this decision is the result of global market conditions.
Importantly, Albemarle has committed to improving production at one processing train at its Kemerton plant and believes there will continue to be lithium hydroxide processing in Kemerton well into the future.
Market concentration and volatility in demand has caused extreme price changes in lithium markets, including an 80 per cent fall in lithium hydroxide prices over the last 12 months.
