Bridges mining operations in Australia and refining steps in Malaysia.
Australian rare earth giant Lynas has officially launched its processing facility in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Last December, the plant began initial production steps and has now ceremoniously launched following a ramp-up in production. As a central element to its growth plan “Lynas 2025,” first announced in 2019 (PDF), the plant will serve as a bridge between its mining operations at Mt Weld and its separation plant in Malaysia. The Kalgoorlie processing facility produces mixed rare earth carbonate, which is separated into individual rare earths in Malaysia. Lynas is also developing a heavy rare earth separation plant in Texas, which the Kalgoorlie facility could also supply in the future, the company said.
Lynas CEO Amanda Lacaze thanked the Australian government for its support of the plant and highlighted the importance of the plant for supply chains outside of industry leader China. The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) welcomed the opening of Lynas’ new plant, highlighting that it “is the first of its kind in the country and will play a vital role building supply chain resilience.”
Photo: CUHRIG via Canva
