Mineral Resources is set to dust off its Bald Hill lithium mine, located south of Kambalda in Western Australia, and has begun a recruitment drive to fill 260 new positions. The move comes as the lithium market shows signs of recovery, with prices stabilizing after a prolonged downturn.
Mine restart details
The Bald Hill mine, which was placed on care and maintenance in 2020 due to weak lithium prices, will be reactivated with an initial focus on spodumene concentrate production. Mineral Resources expects to commence operations in the coming months, with first shipments targeted for early 2027.
The company has already started advertising for a range of roles, including miners, truck drivers, process operators, and maintenance personnel. The majority of positions will be based on a fly-in, fly-out roster from Perth.
Strategic importance
Bald Hill is one of several lithium assets held by Mineral Resources, which also operates the Wodgina and Mount Marion mines. The restart is part of a broader strategy to capitalize on growing demand for lithium, driven by the global shift toward electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
Managing Director Chris Ellison said the decision to restart Bald Hill reflects confidence in the long-term outlook for lithium. “We have seen a stabilization in lithium prices, and with our low-cost position, Bald Hill is well placed to generate strong returns,” he said.
Community and economic impact
The recruitment drive is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy, with many of the new roles going to residents of the Goldfields region. The company has also committed to using local suppliers and contractors wherever possible.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook welcomed the announcement, noting that it demonstrates the resilience of the state’s resources sector. “This is great news for the Goldfields and for Western Australia. It shows that our resources industry continues to create jobs and drive economic growth,” he said.
Industry context
The lithium market has faced volatility in recent years, with prices falling sharply in 2023 and 2024 due to oversupply and slower-than-expected EV adoption. However, prices have begun to recover in 2026, with analysts predicting a supply deficit in the coming years.
Mineral Resources is not alone in restarting lithium operations. Other producers, including Pilbara Minerals and Liontown Resources, have also announced plans to ramp up production in response to improving market conditions.
Environmental and safety considerations
The company has emphasized its commitment to environmental stewardship and safety at Bald Hill. Plans include the use of renewable energy to power operations and the implementation of advanced water management systems to minimize environmental impact.
Mineral Resources said it will also work closely with regulators and local communities to ensure the mine operates to the highest standards.
Outlook
With the restart of Bald Hill, Mineral Resources is positioning itself to meet what it sees as a structural increase in lithium demand. The company expects the mine to produce approximately 200,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate per year once fully operational.
The recruitment process is underway, with applications being accepted through the company’s website. Mineral Resources aims to have the full workforce in place by the end of 2026.
