WA-based lithium miner Neometals is evaluating the prospects of constructing a lithium hydroxide plant near Kalgoorlie, announcing to the ASX earlier this week the appointment of Germany’s M+W Group to conduct an engineering study for the plant. Neometals, which has offtake agreements in place with Ganfeng for production for the first stage of operations at its Mt Marion mine, is expected to make a final decision on whether to go ahead with the facility early next year. The company is seeking to build the processing facility to gain a cost advantage over its competitors, particularly in transport, shipping and duty savings.