NRW Holdings is in line to win a three-year, A$332 million surface mining contract at Allkem’s Mt Cattlin lithium operation in Western Australia after being selected as preferred contractor by the owner.
ASX-listed NRW said mobilisation of equipment and personnel was underway in anticipation of an August 2023 start on site.
The mine, north of Ravensthorpe, is moving towards openpit cutbacks costing A$115 million that could extend the life of surface operations out to 2028. Allkem, formed from the A$4 billion 2021 merger of Galaxy Resources and Orocobre, expects to report results of underground feasibility work in the March quarter next year.
Allkem and US-based Livent Corp last month announced a US$10.6 billion all-stock merger aimed at created the world’s third largest lithium producer.