Pilbara Minerals targets record spodumene output as Ngungaju plant ramps up

Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) is guiding FY27 spodumene production to 1.03‑1.1 million tonnes as the restarted Ngungaju processing plant comes online, aiming for a new company output record. The guidance reflects growing lithium demand for electric‑vehicle batteries and renewable‑energy technologies.

The company's shares have fallen about 2.3% since the start of 2025, prompting investor scrutiny. PLS sells spodumene concentrate through long‑term off‑take agreements and spot sales on the Battery Material Exchange, counting partners such as China’s Great Wall and South Korea’s POSCO. While its dividend yield sits around 2.2% over the past five years, analysts view PLS as a pure‑play lithium play amid a broader materials‑sector rally.