Commissioning of the lithium Mid-Stream Demonstration plant has commenced at PLS Group’s Pilgangoora Operation in Western Australia.
The lithium Mid-Stream Project was developed as a Joint Venture between Calix and PLS, with construction completed on budget in December 2025. Following construction completion, Calix and PLS restructured the Mid-Stream commercialisation framework, with PLS assuming full ownership and operational responsibility for the plant. The restructure removed any ongoing funding requirements and execution exposure for Calix relating to the project and released $11.4m net capital previously invested.
PLS will be responsible for any operating losses during commissioning and operations of the demonstration plant. To help subsidise operating costs, PLS have secured grant funding of up to $38.1m from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). Calix will continue to provide and be paid for technical support to the Demonstration Plant under a technical services agreement.
Watch the video below to see Calix CEO and Managing Director Phil Hodgson discuss the restructure of the lithium Mid-Stream Project with Ausbiz.
Accelerating commercialisation
The lithium Mid-Stream Project aims to demonstrate an innovative solution to add value to critical mineral exports, reduce waste material transport, and decarbonise one of the most carbon-intensive steps in battery manufacturing. PLS have executed an offtake agreement with Ningbo Ronbay New Energy Technology Co. Ltd, a leading global cathode active material manufacturer, enabling the lithium phosphate product to be utilised in the battery supply chain.
The Mid-Stream Project is the first commercial scale deployment of Calix’s patented electric calcination technology. The restructure has helped enable commissioning to commence as soon as possible. In turn, commissioning is expected to deliver important performance data that helps to accelerate deployment of Calix’s platform technology in large addressable markets in iron and steel, cement and lime, alumina and critical minerals.
