Kerman secures $20m contract

Kerman Contracting has won a $20 million contract for works associated with the upgrade of the crushing circuit at Talison Lithium’s Greenbushes operation in the South West.

Under the contract, which was awarded by head contractor MSP Engineering, Kerman will complete structural, mechanical, piping and electrical installation work for the circuit.

The work comes as part of a $320 million upgrade at the mine and process plant.

Applecross-based Kerman said the project will provide employment for around 100 people and the company aims to utilise the local labour force.

“We look forward to strengthening our established business relationship with MSP Engineering and are excited about being part in yet another project in the emerging lithium market,” managing director Chris Kerman said.

The expanded output at Greenbushes will be used in downstream processing by Talison's two shareholders - Albemarle Corporation and Tianqi Lithium.

Kerman is already undertaking works at Tianqi's new $700 million lithium hydroxide processing plant in Kwinana.

MSP is also head contractor for the Tianqi project. 

Albemarle is investigating the construction of a similar plant at the Kemerton industrial estate near Bunbury.