Pilbara Minerals has increased its mineral resource for its Pilgangoora lithium mine by 36 per cent.
Located in Western Australia, Pilgangoora is thought to be the world’s largest hard-rock lithium mine, and is 100 per cent owned by Pilbara Minerals.
The company recently completed its financial year 2023 drilling program, with the findings allowing the mineral resource to increase by 36 per cent in the total measured resource.
A total of 82 per cent of the mineral resource is considered measured and indicated.
“This significant resource upgrade reinforces our 100 per cent owned Pilgangoora operation as one of the largest hard rock lithium deposits globally,” Pilbara Minerals managing director and chief executive officer Dale Henderson said.
“The upgraded mineral resource is consistent with our strategy to grow our operating base and therefore maximise value by achieving the full potential from our world class operation.
“We have added 109,000 tonnes of additional mineral resource at a direct exploration cost of only 13 cents per tonne of additional resource – an outstanding result.”
Just last week, Pilbara Minerals announced that construction of a demonstration plant at the site had been approved by its board.
“Following further studies and pilot test work, we are delighted to be taking the next step in our mid-stream strategy with the construction and operation of a mid-stream demonstration plant with our JV partner Calix,” Henderson said at the time.
Henderson said the company is looking forward to the years ahead with the plant and upgraded mineral resource.
“We are looking forward to completing an updated ore reserve this quarter that will underpin operations for many years to come and may provide an opportunity to further expand production capacity beyond P1000,” he said.