Develop Global Awards $70M Contract to Fast-Track Pioneer Dome Lithium Mine
Synopsis
Bill Beament-backed Develop Global has awarded a $70 million mining services contract to MLG Oz to bring its Pioneer Dome lithium project into production this year, as the company moves to capitalize on strong lithium prices and accelerate development of the Western Australian asset.
Western Australian business MLG Oz has been awarded a A$70 million contract for mining services for the Pioneer Dome lithium mine in Western Australia with operations to begin production later this year.
The contract will see MLG Oz undertake the first phase of mining at Develop Global's Goldfields-based Pioneer Dome project, supporting its strategy to commence earning from direct shipping ore (DSO) by the end of 2025.
The 12-month deal encompasses the drilling and blasting, load and haul, crushing, screening, and backfill mining services, and associated supporting surface operations required at the Cade pit. The government expects MLG Oz to be mobilised mid-July, with mining activities to commence in August and crushing in September.
Develop Global expects to achieve its first DSO sale in the December quarter with the first mining phase of about 850,000t at a high A$35 million to A$40 million pre-production capex. The project has secured a financing and offtake package forUS$400 million from world commodities trader Trafigura.
Lithium Sector Continues to Adjust to Market Conditions
The contract boosts the Australian lithium sector amid falling prices following the massive surge in supply.
Australia is forecast to grow its lithium export earnings from A$4.6 billion in 2024–25 to A$6.6 billion by 2026–27 as export volumes increase,despite lower prices, according to theAustralian Government's Resources and Energy Quarterly (June 2025).
The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecastglobal lithium demand increased by about 30 per cent last year driven by demand for EVs and batteries, although Australia, Chile and China continue to dominate production and Argentina and Zimbabwe are stepping up their output.
MLG Oz Adds to Project Pipeline
Project Pipeline grows with MLG Oz. For fellow Western Australian mining services provider MLG Oz, today's news follows other recent wins, with the Pioneer Dome contract the latest major project awarded to the group following success in FY2025 which saw revenues lift by 15.5 per cent to A$548.3 million, while net profit after tax jumped to A$12.1 million.
Develop Global was selected after a competitive tender process, having demonstrated a strong track record of success in the Goldfields and the capability to deliver an integrated mining services solution.
Thecontract will enableDevelop Globalto continue progress with its strategy to build, mine and operate Pioneer Dome using its own ore, whilst also pursuing the potential future development of the entire project.
Source: The West Australia
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Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
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