Australian lithium loading tonnage was estimated to have slipped on the month in October after hitting a record level the previous month, led by steep declines at Bunbury and Port Hedland despite Geraldton resuming shipments.
Australian ports were estimated to have loaded near 351,600t of bulk lithium shipments in October following a record September, with the majority of shipments likely to be of spodumene, according to vessel tracking firm Kpler's data compiled by Argus. Australia exported a little over 466,800t of spodumene in September — its highest level so far this year — according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data supplied through Global Trade Tracker.
Estimated loading tonnages from two of Western Australia's (WA) major lithium shipping ports, the Bunbury port and Port Hedland, saw sharp dips. Lithium producers such as PLS, Mineral Resources (MinRes), Covalent Lithium as well as the country's Greenbushes mine — run by Australian mining group IGO alongside major Chinese firm Tianqi Lithium and US-based producer Albemarle — transport their spodumene to these ports for exports.
About 153,800t of lithium was loaded at Bunbury port in October, down by 33pc on the month, while Port Hedland's 119,000t of lithium was down by 28pc on the month.
Port of Geraldton was estimated to have shipped out about 45,900t of lithium during October, having not loaded a single shipment throughout September, according to Kpler's data. Australian lithium producer Liontown Resources' Kathleen Valley project sits near the Geraldton port and back in 2023 signed an agreement with Mid West Ports Authority to export its lithium ore through the port.
Esperance Port loaded a little over 32,900t of lithium, which was also down by 33pc on the month. MinRes' Mount Marion operation, which is 50pc-owned by major Chinese lithium producer Ganfeng, exports its spodumene through Esperance.
As of 10 November, Australian ports are expected to load at least 249,300t of lithium, according to the latest Kpler data.
Argus-assessed prices for 6pc grade lithium concentrate (spodumene) held stable at $920–980/t cif China on 4 November, against a week earlier, as suppliers kept prices firm despite volatility in lithium salt markets.
