Pilbara Minerals approves $175 million pre‑FID spend to expand Pilgangoora lithium mine

Pilbara Minerals (PLS) has approved a pre‑final investment decision (pre‑FID) capital expenditure of about $175 million for its proposed P2000 Project at the Pilgangoora operation in Western Australia. The spend will fund long‑lead equipment procurement, engineering, early site works and upgrades to the Wodgina Road East infrastructure, aiming to lift spodumene concentrate production capacity to roughly two million tonnes per annum.

The pre‑FID investment is intended to preserve optionality and keep the project on schedule while the P2000 feasibility study progresses, with results expected in the December 2026 quarter. A final investment decision will depend on study outcomes, funding capacity and market conditions, and if approved, first ore is targeted for mid‑2029. PLS Managing Director and CEO Dale Henderson said the early spending positions the company to respond to long‑term lithium demand while retaining flexibility on the timing of a formal decision.