Port Hedland lithium DSO exports fall in October

Lithium direct shipping ore (DSO) exported to China from the West Australian port of Port Hedland fell to 93,721t in October from 230,115t in September.

Spodumene concentrate exports totalled 135,960t in October compared with zero in September, monthly statistics from the Pilbara Ports Authority show.

Lithium DSO exports are falling because the Wodgina mine is holding back its production to be processed by three lithium concentrate plants that will come on line over the next few months. Wodgina is the world's largest exporter of hard rock lithium ore but is being transformed into a value-added concentrate producer.

Lithium concentrate exports are expected to rise because of Pilbara Minerals and Altura Mining starting from October to ship lithium concentrate exports from their Pilgangoora projects to their Chinese offtake partners. Both projects are raising their production and are also considering phase two expansion initiatives.

Port Hedland also reported copper concentrate exports of 103,332t in October and manganese ore exports of 95,349t.