ioneer Ltd has handpicked automation company ABB Inc for a major engineering and equipment supply contract at the flagship Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project in Nevada.
The deal has been awarded on a limited notice to proceed basis, meaning the supply of equipment packages relies on INR’s board of directors reaching a final investment decision.
Under the contract, the ABB team will kickstart work on systems engineering and optimisation for the equipment packages, which include:
- A steam turbine generator;
- Medium and low voltage electrical distribution;
- Power management and plantwide process automation and instrumentation systems for the generation; and
- Acid and lithium processing plants.
Overall, ioneer believes the deal represents a major step forward in Rhyolite Ridge’s construction and development.
Producing materials responsibly
Speaking to the key contract, ioneer managing director Bernard Rowe said: “The contract with ABB is another significant supply package award at Rhyolite Ridge and represents yet another step in the development of the project.
“Like other suppliers we’ve partnered with, ABB is focused on providing environmentally sound engineering and technology solutions.
“This aligns with ioneer’s ambition to not only produce materials necessary to develop electric vehicle and renewable energy supply chain infrastructure in North America, but to do so in an efficient and environmentally responsible manner through lowered emissions, significantly reduced water usage and a small surface footprint.”
ioneer is the 100% owner of the Nevada-based Rhyolite Ridge asset — the only known lithium-boron deposit in North America and one of only two known such deposits in the world.
A definitive feasibility study, completed in 2020, confirmed Rhyolite Ridge as a world-class lithium and boron project that is expected to become a globally significant, long-life, low-cost source of lithium and boron vital to a sustainable future.
In September 2021, ioneer entered a 50/50 joint venture agreement with Sibanye Stillwater Ltd to advance the Rhyolite Ridge project.
ioneer will operate the project, which is expected to come onstream in 2024.
About ABB
ABB is described as a leading global technology company with a 130-year track record in mining applications.
The company’s ABB Ability™ MineOptimize solution integrates individual mining solutions into a connected and structured plant-wide system to optimise all stages in the lifecycle – from design and build to operation and service – of any open-pit or underground mine and minerals processing plant.
This approach helps mining companies to optimise capital costs and maximise productivity, sustainability and safety.
ioneer and ABB are both founding members of the Zero Emissions Transportation Association (ZETA) which is an industry coalition advocating for policies to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles in the US.
Part of the transition to sustainable transport
Commenting on the contract award, ABB division president of process industries Joachim Braun said: “The Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project represents an opportunity for the US and the world to ensure the supply of the minerals needed to successfully transition to sustainable transport and we’re proud to be part of it.
“We look forward to working with ioneer on the engineering, equipment and project management as it progresses development.
“This contract provides clear recognition of our experience, know-how, and world-class technologies supported by our ABB Ability™ MineOptimize.
“It is also important to note that our localised approach and strength in service and aftermarket were important factors for ioneer when it came to choosing a partner.”