Liontown begins underground production at Kathleen Valley Lithium Project in Australia
Battery mining provider Liontown Resources has launched underground production at Mann Orebody, a lithium business in Catherine Valley, Western Australia.
In the fiscal year 2026 (FY26), this development is a critical step in the transition from open location to underground operations. It positioned the mine as Australia’s first underground lithium operation.
Underground production in the Kathleen Valley will offer different advantages from traditional open pit operations.
This includes extracting clean ore by minimizing ore dilution of waste contamination. It can also enable higher rock recovery and better ore crushing, thereby improving overall throughput efficiency.
“As planned, the successful start of underground in our Catherine Valley Lithium Operation is a proud milestone for Liontown,” said Tony Ottaviano, managing director and CEO of Liontown.
“Through the advanced program, the dedication of our team, and the support of our mining partner Byrnecut, this achievement was made possible, ensuring the first explosion at Mount Mann.”
In March, the experiment used previously extracted development ore to verify the processability of underground ores.
These tests showed that the head score of lithium oxide was about 1.5%, recovery rate exceeded 70%, and it is possible to further enhance it through continuous recovery programs.
The company’s focus remains on advancing mine development, which includes gradual declines, opening up additional work areas and gradual improvements in underground operations.
The near-medium-term goal of underground operations is to focus on high-profit ores safely and optimize their value.
The plant will be provided only by underground output supplemented by inventory in the fourth quarter of FY26.
“As part of normal preparation and planning, we conducted underground ore trials in the March quarter before the first cessation to understand the optimal plant performance environment. These trials are consistent with our research efforts, which strengthens our confidence in transitioning to full underground operations.”
Liontown initially began lithium production at the Catherine Valley lithium project in July 2024.
Originally created and published by Mining Technology, a brand owned by GlobalData: “Underground Production of Lithium Project in Catherine Valley, Australia”.
The information on this website is included in sincerity only for general information purposes. It is not intended to rely on the advice you should rely on, and we do not provide any representation, warranty or warranty that express or imply its accuracy or completeness. You must take or avoid any action based on the content on our website to obtain professional or professional advice.
