A tight labour market in Western Australia, along with covid-19-related border closures, has hit production at mining firms operating in the state.

The project is expected to enable an increase in production of more than one million tonnes each year.

Australia generates most of its power using coal, and outages at some aging facilities amid colder-than-usual weather have contributed to the squeeze.

Billions wiped off sector after Goldman says bull market “over for now" but Chinese lithium prices have begun to tick upwards again.

Report recommends that new tailings facilities must not be constructed if the operator cannot ensure the safe and timely evacuation of communities in the area.

The contract is signed for three years firm plus two optional years extension.