Liontown (ASX:LTR) initiated early works and secured long-lead equipment for the planned expansion of its Kathleen Valley Lithium Operation in Western Australia, ahead of a final investment decision (FID) expected by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2027, according to a Wednesday Australian bourse filing.

The initial program involves acquiring a 5.5-megawatt ball mill, conducting pre-development drilling, expanding mine infrastructure, developing the Northwest Flats orebody underground, and increasing operational capacity to boost production and efficiency, per the filing.

The company has committed around AU$12 million over the next 12 months for the ball mill purchase, with fiscal 2026 early works cash expenditure expected at AU$15 million to AU$18 million and pre-FID spending projected to reach up to AU$77 million, the filing added.

The company's shares rose around 1% in recent Wednesday trade.