Summary:MinRes restarts Bald Hill lithium mine after 18-month pause, driven by lithium price recovery. The Western Australia project targets July 2026 first SC6 spodumene production, boosting global battery metals supply....
MinRes reboots Bald Hill lithium mine after 18-month pause
Western Australia hard rock lithium project restarts on lithium price recovery, targeting July 2026 first spodumene production
MinRes reboots Bald Hill lithium mine after an 18-month care and maintenance pause, as lithium price recovery creates favorable conditions to resume production at its flagship Western Australia asset. Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN), the Australian diversified miner, confirmed the restart on May 18, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for the hard rock lithium sector and global battery metals supply chains。
Located 50 km southeast of Kambalda in Western Australia’s Goldfields region, the Bald Hill lithium mine was placed under care and maintenance in November 2024. The decision aimed to preserve capital and protect the long-term value of its 58.1 million-tonne mineral resource grading 0.9% lithium oxide (Li₂O), amid a severe lithium price downturnMineral Resources. After 18 months of strategic planning and market monitoring, MinRes is now ready to reactivate the operation, leveraging improved market fundamentals and its in-house mining expertise.
Key Project & Production Metrics
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 50 km SE of Kambalda, Western Australia |
| Ownership | 100% MinRes |
| Mineral Resource | 58.1 Mt @ 0.9% Li₂O |
| Annual Capacity | 165,000 dmt 5.1% spodumene (≈140,000 dmt SC6) |
| Restart Cost | A$20 million |
| First Production | July 2026 (target) |
The restart is directly fueled by a significant and sustained lithium price recovery in 2026. Lithium carbonate prices have surged over 50% year-to-date, breaking a multi-year downtrend, as supply uncertainties mount across major producing nations. China’s ongoing mine suspensions and Zimbabwe’s raw mineral export ban have tightened global supply, while demand for SC6 spodumene concentrate remains robust, driven by the electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage sectors. MinRes Managing Director Chris Ellison emphasized that strong spodumene demand and price recovery make the restart “timely and strategic”.
Bald Hill stands as a high-quality, production-ready asset with a proven track record. Unlike MinRes’ Wodgina (50/50 with Albemarle) and Mt Marion (50/50 with Ganfeng Lithium) assets, Bald Hill is 100% owned by MinRes, meaning all operational margins flow directly to the company. The site hosts a total mineral resource of 58.1 million tonnes at 0.9% Li₂O, with an annual production capacity of 165,000 dry metric tonnes (dmt) of 5.1% spodumene concentrate—equivalent to 140,000 dmt of benchmark SC6 concentrateMineral Resources.
MinRes has outlined a phased restart timeline designed for efficiency and safety:
Late May 2026: Site ramp-up, equipment recommissioning
June 2026: Crushing and open-pit mining restart
July 2026: First spodumene concentrate production
Q1 FY27: First shipment from Port of Esperance
Q2 FY27: Full production capacity achieved
The restart will create approximately 370 jobs, with 110 roles filled via internal redeployment, minimizing labor risks and accelerating ramp-up. Restart costs are estimated at A$20 million, including working capital, reflecting MinRes’ confidence in the project’s economics amid the current price cycle.
For MinRes, the Bald Hill restart solidifies its position as a global lithium leader. Once operational, the company will be the only firm globally operating three hard rock lithium mines, each with dedicated spodumene processing facilities. This scale enhances MinRes’ ability to meet long-term demand from battery manufacturers and EV producers worldwide. The company’s existing Wodgina and Mt Marion mines are already key suppliers to global battery supply chains, and Bald Hill’s return will further strengthen its market position.
The Bald Hill lithium mine restart also signals broader confidence in the lithium sector’s recovery. After a prolonged downturn, miners are now revisiting mothballed projects as prices stabilize and demand remains strong. However, challenges persist, including potential supply increases from other producers and regulatory changes in key markets. MinRes’ ability to rapidly restart Bald Hill—with existing infrastructure, equipment, and workforce networks—positions it to capitalize on current market conditions while mitigating risks.
Conclusion
MinRes’ decision to reboot the Bald Hill lithium mine after an 18-month pause is a direct response to the lithium price recovery and robust demand for SC6 spodumene concentrate. As a high-grade, 100% owned asset in Western Australia’s premier mining region, Bald Hill will significantly boost MinRes’ lithium output and global market influence. With first production targeted for July 2026, the mine’s restart marks a key milestone for both MinRes and the global battery metals supply chain, underscoring the critical role of hard rock lithium mining in the energy transition.
