Latest News

Australia's IGO flags task cuts as nickel price slumps

Australian nickel and lithium manufacturer IGO will lose weight its executive group amid nickel writedowns as President Ivan Vella reshapes the company to focus on improving lithium hydroxide production, it said on Tuesday.

IGO has actually undertaken a method refresh given that Vella signed up with late last year. Given that it purchased nickel miner Western Locations for A$ 1.1 billion ($ 720.7 million) in 2022, it has made a note of more than that value on its nickel businesses in the middle of a downturn in costs.

Details of the refresh are set to be revealed at the business's yearly results on Aug. 29, IGO stated, adding that modifications in the meantime are anticipated to lead to a smaller team over the coming months.

IGO has actually started a review of the size, structure and capability of its business and expedition teams, it said in its quarterly production report.

As part of the restructure, IGO will focus on maximising value from its lithium service including its Greenbushes lithium mine, which it owns with China's Tianqi Lithium and Albemarle.

It will push for a better efficiency at its Kwinana hydroxide plant, for which its train 1 will go through a significant shutdown in the December quarter for enhancement works, at a. cost of A$ 80 million to A$ 100 million. It will likewise seek to increase money from its nickel companies. which are transitioning to care and maintenance.

The miner stated it prepared to raise production of lithium raw. product spodumene by as much as 150,000 tonnes next financial. year as it set production guidance at 1.35 million to 1.55. million tonnes. It did not provide assistance for lithium hydroxide. production.

IGO's lithium company is held via a 49% stake in Tianqi. Lithium Energy Australia (TLEA) where Tianqi Lithium owns 51%. TLEA owns 51% in the Greenbushes Lithium mine with Albemarle. owning 49% and TLEA owns 100% of the lithium hydroxide refinery.

(source: Reuters)