The start of bulk earthworks marks a significant milestone for the company, putting it on track to commence run of ore mining in the June quarter 2017.
Pilbara Minerals plans to move the recently acquired 300-person camp to site, expected to be completed by the end of December 2016.
Ken Brinsden, CEO, commented: “The turning of the first sod at Pilgangoora represents an exciting and hugely important milestone for Pilbara Minerals, marking the start of construction and development at our flagship asset and putting us on track to commence commissioning of the plant in late 2017.”
The company recently a successful exploration drilling program from which the results will be incorporated into an updated resource estimate at the end of 2016.
Furthermore, this month the company signed an off-take agreement to supply crushed but unprocessed direct shipping ore to Chinese lithium carbonate producer, Shandong Ruifu Lithium Co. Limited.
Shares are trading up 65% year to date, currently priced at $0.537.