Calix Limited announced it has executed an MOU covering the development of a Joint Venture project to develop a "midstream" lithium chemicals refinery with Pilbara Minerals Limited. The companies will undertake a scoping study to assess a new refining process incorporating Calix's unique calcination technology and subsequent production of a concentrated lithium salt "midstream product" for lithium batteries. Pilbara Minerals owns and operates the Pilgangoora deposit, one of the world's lithium resources.

Ore is currently processed to produce a spodumene concentrate which is then shipped to customers overseas for conversion into lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, for use in lithium ion batteries. Calix's core technology involves a new type of kiln that is highly versatile and able to be electrically heated, and thus renewable-energy-powered. The proposed demonstration process will take fine, lower-grade spodumene concentrate and further process it on site utilising renewable energy to create a low carbon, concentrated lithium salt, which can be further refined by others into lithium battery materials, or may potentially be used as direct feedstock for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cathode manufacture - LFP batteries being a key subset of China's lithium ion battery supply and the battery of choice for the Tesla Model 3 in China.