Lithium group wins prestigious cross-border award

Tianqi Lithium Corporation’s Tianqi Lithium Australia has been named the winner of the Cross-Border Investment Award at the prestigious AustCham Westpac Australia-China Business Awards.

Held in Hong Kong on May 28, the awards were hosted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce.

Awards were presented across eight categories, recognising businesses that demonstrated strong commitment and leadership in promoting a relationship between Australia and China.

More than $700 million has been invested in the construction of Australia’s first lithium hydroxide processing plant by Tianqi Lithium Australia in Kwinana — a testament to parent company Tianqi Lithium Corporation’s commitment to becoming a mainstay of the local community, WA and the global economy.

Tianqi Lithium general manager Phil Thick accepted the award and said it reflected the “hard work and innovative spirit” of Tianqi Lithium employees.

“As a company, we are always encouraging our staff to think outside the box, challenge the status quo and push the boundaries on what can be achieved,” he said.

“The Kwinana plant is Tianqi’s first fully automated lithium chemicals manufacturing facility outside of China.

“It will process high-grade spodumene from the company’s Greenbushes mine, and is part of Tianqi’s commitment to serving customers worldwide from a new Australian facility and providing employment for hundreds of Western Australians.”

Tianqi Lithium was also named a finalist in the sustainability, diversity and social responsibility category.

Construction of the plant has created more than 1000 jobs and will provide more than 200 full-time production and operation jobs.