The Western Australian Government has provided more than $662 million towards Collie’s industrial transition, which continues to power ahead as several industry proponents reach major milestones.
The funding is to deliver a Just Transition for Collie, which attracts new industries and puts training opportunities in place as the economy transitions away from coal.
Premier Roger Cook says establishing a green iron and steel industry in Western Australia is a focus of the Made in WA plan.
“Hitting these key milestones is another step forward to securing Collie’s future as a major new industrial hub,” Cook says.
One of the milestones achieved include Australia’s first low emissions steel mill, as well as Western Australia’s first steel recycling mill being one step closer to completion, following privately held Green Steel of WA securing all necessary approvals required for feasibility.
The state government has funded $2.7 million to these projects, which has driven the project closer to achieving a final investment decision with front-end engineering design now complete.
Carbothermic magnesium metal technology company Magnium Australia has also marked a milestone following its pilot plant becoming operational in Collie’s light industrial area. The pilot plant aims to develop sustainable magnesium production in Australia.
The facility represents a step forward in establishing a domestic supply of the critical defence and automotive metal. The facility was supported by $7.5 million through the Collie Industrial Transition Fund.
Due to magnesium being lightweight, non-toxic, and high impact strength, it is used in super-strong, lightweight materials and alloys. The material can be used in aerospace alloys, cameras, laptops, phones, sporting equipment, and in the construction sector.
Meanwhile, International Graphite (ASX:IG6) has begun a Feasibility Study for its Battery Anode Material Facility in Western Australia. The study demonstrates the industry interest in developing projects at Coolangatta Industrial Estate.
The facility will produce graphite products for battery materials and a variety of industrial uses. The Western Australian Government has provided $12.5 million in support to International Graphite for this project.
Geoscience Australia says graphite is a good electrical conductor and has a high fusion point and good lubricating properties. It is used as an anode in batteries and as a refractory material in industries producing molten metal for crucibles and blast furnace linings.
Further, Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) battery re-manufacturing facility is also powering ahead with construction underway. The construction is expected to be completed in October 2025.
The facility will service, repair, and renew Tesla’s battery products including Megapacks — which stores energy for the grid, eliminating the need for gas peaker plants and helping to avoid outages. Each Megapack unit can store over 3.9 megawatt per hour of energy, which is enough energy to power an average of 3,600 homes for one hour.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: International Graphite
