OLAROZ LITHIUM FACILITY (ORE 66.5%)
Production of 2,784 tonnes* of lithium carbonate, in line with guidance provided in February 2017
Sales revenue up 19% on December 2016 quarter (QoQ) to US$32.1 million* on sales of 3,142 tonnes
Average FOB price received up 13% QoQ to US$10,211/tonne FOB with higher priced contracts reflecting firmer market conditions
Cash cost of production of US$3,565/tonne, up only 1% QoQ despite lower production volumes
Gross cash margins up 21% QoQ to US$6,646/tonne reflecting an operating margin of 65% (up from 61% in December 2016 quarter)
During the quarter, VAT refunds of approximately US$10.1 million were received with total VAT refunds of approximately US$17. 1 million having been received to date
SDJ made the scheduled project finance repayment of US$13.9 million according to the financing arrangements with Mizuho Bank Ltd and JOGMEC
Brine volumes were rebalanced through the pond system, increasing area under evaporation by ~20%. In addition, enhancements are being made to physical infrastructure and pond management with additional internal and external resources
Test work has commenced with two specialized engineering firms to finalise the process engineering for a 10,000 tonne per annum battery grade lithium hydroxide plant in Japan
Ausenco appointed to undertake engineering design studies for the Olaroz phase 2 expansion
2H FY17 production guidance remains 5,500 6,000 tonnes and pricing is expected to be approximately US$10,000 per tonne FOB in the June 2017 quarter * all figures 100% Olaroz Project basi |