Pilbara lithium producer PLS has approved a $175 million pre-Final Investment Decision (pre-FID) spend to prepare for an expansion of its Pilgangoora lithium operation in Western Australia. The company is laying groundwork for increasing production capacity at the Pilgangoora mine. Under its expansion plan, PLS targets growing output to 2 million tonnes per annum. The spending is intended to support the steps required before a final investment decision is made, including work that advances the project toward an eventual expansion. Both outlets describe the approval as an initial phase of development rather than a final commitment to expanded operations. The proposed capacity increase is part of PLS’s broader strategy for its flagship Pilbara asset, as the company progresses through pre-FID activities ahead of any further approvals and investment decisions.