The expansion, on top of a $238 million upgrade due for completion in April, will double the mine’s production to 1.95 million tonnes a year of lithium concentrate a year from 2020.
Adani is looking to buy mines in countries such as Indonesia and is securing financing for its Carmichael mine in Australia amid challenges from environmental groups concerned about climate change and potential damage to the Great Barrier Reef.
From the $939bn invested in major projects between 2008 and 2017, the world’s top 40 mining companies by market cap. wrote-off $273bn or 29% of the initial capital outlay.
Company aims to be the first significant world producer outside of China of dysprosium, used by electric vehicle makers in the manufacturing of engine magnets.