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Liontown Resources produces first lithium

Battery Materials producer Liontown Resources has produced its first lithium spodumene concentrate at Kathleen Valley in Western Australia, following the commissioning of the wet plant and end-to-end operation of the value chain. The milestone marks the start of production ramp-up to nameplate throughput of 3Mtpa, currently expected by the end of Q1 CY2025. Liontown’s fourth-generation process plant utilises a 100 percent whole ore flotation flowsheet tailored to the orebody characteristics and was constructed in 18 months. The first shipment of spodumene concentrate is planned for later this quarter Q3 CY2024.

Trajan Scientific writes down assets

Analytical science and device company Trajan Group is to recognise a $26.7 million non cash impairment following an assessment of the value of its assets. The majority of the write down or $25 million relates to the company’s Neoteryx blood sampling device goodwill and intangibles. The write down was related to microsampling, however Trajan reported strong order demand in this area of its business which was up 29.8 percent increase in H2 over H1. $1.7 million in asset write downs related to the value of other microsampling assets.

Maggie Beer pays out over hampers business, will hold Paris Creek dairy

Luxury food manufacturer Maggie Beer Holdings has resolved its dispute regarding its purchase of Hampers & Gifts Australia (HGA) and will pay $2 million in cash to the vendors. As announced, the company appointed an adviser to consider all options to optimise the value of the Paris Creek Farms business. With the process expected to complete by 30 September 2024. Accordingly, the board has resolved that the PCF business is an asset held for sale.

Avenira accepts investment from Sichuan Hebang Biotechnology

Phosphate chemicals producer Avenira has secures a strategic investment from existing shareholder Sichuan Hebang Biotechnology which will see control switch to the Chinese company. The investment comprises a $4.5 million 2-tranche placement with Tranche 2 subject to shareholder approval. Funds from the placement will be used for progressing the Yellow Phosphate and lithium ferro phosphate study work. Hebang will appoint an Executive Chairman and two directors to the board, as well as a Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Avenira Chairman and Chief Executive Brett Clark’s role will change to Executive Deputy Chairman.

EOIs being taken for QLD Inside Advanced Manufacturing showcase

Expressions of interest are being accepted for statewide Inside Advanced Manufacturing 2024 showcase, to be held September 2–13 as part of Queensland’s manufacturing month. According to the Queensland government, “a selection of Queensland’s top manufacturers and manufacturing support organisations will open their doors to showcase their innovative manufacturing techniques and technologies to other manufacturers” through the showcase. Exhibitors at this stage include Norweld, James Cook University, Pyrocal, Everhard Industries and the Translational Research Institute (TRI.) An expression of interest in attending can be made at the link, and further information is available via [email protected].

National EV strategy updated

The federal government’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy (linked) update for 2023-24 is now available. According to a statement from the department of climate change, energy, the environment and water, “the EV landscape in Australia has transformed at an unprecedented pace” since the original release of the strategy in April 2023. The objective of the Strategy is to increase the uptake of Electric Vehicles (EVs) to reduce national emissions and improve the wellbeing of Australians. “Each year, we measure how the government is progressing towards these outcomes” added the DCCEEW. “We also highlight the government’s progress towards new and existing initiatives and any notable highlights over the last year.”

UOW researcher receives fellowship for battery work

University of Wollongong (UOW) researcher Dr Nana Wang has received an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship worth more than $900,000 for research into next-generation battery designs for mild and extreme conditions. Wang, a Research Fellow in the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials at UOW, is researching sodium-ion batteries, “considered the most promising candidate for next-generation large-scale energy systems, supporting the path to net zero”, said the university. “This research focuses on improving how batteries work and promoting innovation in electrolytes and electrodes, both of which are vital for practical battery development,” said Wang in a statement this week. “The aim is to help Australia could become a top player in battery tech and renewable energy, helping both our country and the planet be more sustainable.”

Picture: credit Liontown Resources



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