SIMPEC books $17m contract at a Pilbara Minerals project

WestStar Industrial’s engineering subsidiary SIMPEC has secured a $17 million contract over work at Pilbara Minerals’ flagship Pilgangoora project.

Under the contract, Simpec will supply and install structural, mechanical, piping, electrical and instrumentation packages for the project at PLS’ Pilgangoora lithium operation in the Pilbara.

The mid-stream demonstration plant is owned by a joint venture between Pilbara Minerals and Calix Limited.

The project aims to construct and operate a demonstration-scale plant with an industrial-scale electric spodumene calciner.

Works under the contract are expected to start immediately with the plant to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025, WestStar said in its ASX announcement.

“This new SMPE&I contract aligns with SIMPEC’s strategy to support Australia’s energy transition and demonstrates the company’s track record of delivering for its clients,” SIMPEC managing director Mark Dimasi said.

“We are very pleased to secure this work and are committed to maintaining a long-standing relationship with PLS and Calix.”

The Pilgangoora lithium operation is located about 140 kilometres from Port Hedland.

Last month, Pilbara Minerals announced it would halt a study and investment call on its next expansion project at the Pilgangoora operation, citing market conditions and long approvals.