Inside PLS' Pilgangoora, how lithium ore sorting became a core process

Australia’s lithium industry is shifting toward tighter cost control, operational stability and processing efficiency after years of rapid expansion driven by EV demand and record spodumene prices. Even so, Australia remains the world’s largest lithium producer, supplying about 40% of global output. In Western Australia’s Pilbara region, PLS Group’s Pilgangoora operation is highlighted as a case study for handling ore variability in a more volatile market. The site holds more than 207 million tonnes of reserves and reached a key milestone through the P1000 expansion, which increased spodumene concentrate capacity by about 47% to up to one million tonnes per year. First ore was achieved in January 2025, with ramp-up completed in the March quarter. TOMRA Mining supplied sensor-based ore sorting systems, first installed under P680 and expanded under P1000, now integrated as a core flowsheet element rather than a bolt-on tool. PLS is also studying a P2000 expansion that could push output beyond 2 mtpa via a new plant.