Covalent Lithium has entered into a long-term lease for a 40-hectare site in the Kwinana Strategic Industrial Area (SIA) where it will commence construction of a lithium refinery.
A joint venture, between subsidiaries of Wesfarmers and Chilean company SQM, the Covalent Lithium refinery is part of the integrated Mount Holland Lithium project.
The project, which is expected to create 1,000 construction and 350 operational jobs, involves the construction and operation of a spodumene mine and concentrator near Mount Holland in Western Australia.
Once complete, the Kwinana refinery will have the capacity to support the production of batteries for up to one million electric vehicles each year.
Located in Western Australia's premier industrial corridor, 15 kilometres south of Fremantle Port, the Kwinana SIA is a centre for chemical and resource-based processing industries.
The Covalent Lithium refinery is now one of three lithium refineries under construction in Western Australia that will pave the way for further value-adding activities, including pre-cursor cathode manufacturing which is a key priority of the WA Government's Future Battery Industry Strategy.
Led by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and delivered by DevelopmentWA's Industrial Lands Authority, WA's 13 SIAs are located close to major resources projects and key infrastructure, and are designed for downstream processing and other industrial activities.
As stated by State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook:
"The Kwinana SIA plays a vital role in supporting Western Australia's economy as it is a key part of the State's premier heavy industrial corridor. The Kwinana SIA is already home to major chemical, energy and resource-based processing operations.
"The investment by Covalent Lithium reinforces the importance of the Government's commitment to establishing a globally advanced manufacturing hub for the industrial corridor between Henderson and Rockingham.
"The WA Government is committed to continuing to deliver serviced heavy industrial land to attract investment and create new jobs in this area and in other heavy industrial areas across the State."
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:
"Kwinana is already a thriving hub of activity, with the precinct home to Alcoa, CSBP, Wesfarmers LPG, Tianqi Lithium Australia and Avertas Kwinana Waste to Energy plant.
"The announcement today delivers on the McGowan Government's vision to grow its share of the battery materials supply chain, create jobs and diversify our economy, which falls under our Future Battery Industry Strategy."
As stated by Lands Minister Tony Buti:
"The supply of industrial land in the right place, at the right time, is a vital component of a strong and resilient economy - attracting private sector investment, creating Western Australian jobs and driving economic growth.
"The Kwinana SIA sits in the heart of the State's premier heavy industrial zone, with access to the Fremantle Port and major road and rail networks.
"It's pleasing to see this specialist industrial precinct set to become home to a significant new facility that will ultimately help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and foster a more sustainable energy future."
