The state government has given environmental approval for a lithium manufacturing plant in the South West, paving the way for more than 500 construction jobs and up to 500 permanent jobs.
The plant will be located in the Kemerton Industrial Park, 17 kilometres north-east of Bunbury.
Collie-Preston MP Mick Murray welcomed the announcement and said the project would provide employment opportunities for Collie.
“The green light for the Albemarle Lithium plant is terrific news for the South West, including the Collie-Preston electorate, as it represents a huge opportunity for employment in the future,” he said.
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“The Albemarle Lithium plant will deliver 500 construction jobs for the region and a further 500 permanent positions upon completion, injecting millions into the economy.
“With the construction site being quite close to Collie, employment opportunities will be widely available.
“This is an exciting development for the region and I am looking forward to job opportunities for locals in the future.”
Premier Mark McGowan said the government’s number one priority was diversifying the economy and creating jobs in WA.
“Significant milestones like these support our efforts in improving the WA economy and boosting job opportunities,” he said.
“The Abermarle lithium plant is another step closer to setting up its operations which will generate hundreds of local jobs.
“I’m pleased to see this project progressing, following my positive discussions with Albemarle’s directors during my visit to Washington earlier this year.
“The state is a world-leading producer of lithium and WA has an abundant supply of lithium and other battery minerals which is why it’s vital we maximise the opportunities this industry provides, both upstream and downstream, to Western Australians.”
When in operation, the Albemarle Kemerton Plant will process spodumene ore concentrate, through five process trains, to produce up to 100,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide product.
Spodumene ore will be sourced from the Talison Lithium’s Greenbushes mine, which in March 2018 announced an expansion to supply the rapidly expanding global lithium market.
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said Albemarle was an example of achieving a balance between an acceptable environmental outcome and a prospering economy.
“The Albemarle lithium plant has undergone a thorough environmental assessment process by the Environment Protection Authority, which recommended the project could proceed subject to strict environmental conditions,” he said.
