Recasts, adds context detail in paragraphs 3-5
MELBOURNE, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia said on Tuesday it was prioritising the long-term viability of its loss-making Kwinana lithium hydroxide refinery after one of the joint venture's owners raised doubts about the ability to improve operations.
The West Australian lithium hydroxide producer said it would continue to optimise plant operations, reduce production costs and improve overall productivity.
The comments come after IGO IGO.AX, which has a 49% stake in the joint venture, said last week it was reviewing future pathways for the plant based on low confidence it could improve its operations.
The Kwinana facility is part of the Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia tie-up between IGO and China's Tianqi Lithium 002466.SZ, which has a 51% stake.
The refinery, the first lithium hydroxide plant to be built in Australia, has been grappling with operational issues and production delays amid a lithium price slump.
(Reporting by Melanie Burton in Melbourne and Christine Chen in Sydney; Editing by Kim Coghill and Jamie Freed)
((christine.chen@thomsonreuters.com; +61 2 9171 7119;))
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