- $6.5 million to advance job-creating graphite plant in Collie
- Project puts Collie front-and-centre in Australia's growing battery industry
- Part of Cook Labor Government's commitment to diversifying Collie's economy
Collie's industrial transition is powering ahead, with the Cook Labor Government today announcing new funding to secure a commercial-scale graphite processing facility in Collie.
Graphite is an essential material for producing anode materials, which are used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage facilities.
In February this year Western Australia based International Graphite began production at its pilot graphite micronising plant in Collie, backed by a $2 million grant from the WA Labor Government, and is now looking to scale up to full commercial production.
The Cook Labor Government will inject another $4.5 million to support the company to ramp up to full scale - creating another 20 full-time permanent jobs for Collie.
The commercial-scale micronising facility will enable production capacity of up to 4000 tonnes per annum, with International Graphite planning to build its operations within 18 to 24 months.
A further $2 million will support International Graphite to move forward with a feasibility study into establishing a purpose-built battery anode material facility in Collie.
The battery anode material facility would mean further downstream processing in Collie, and would make International Graphite the first fully integrated battery anode graphite processing company in WA - from mining and concentrating at Springdale near Hopetoun, to micronising and pre-cursor material production at Collie.
The project will create a long-term pipeline of industrial jobs for Collie and secure the town's place in WA's shift to becoming a global clean energy powerhouse.
The Cook Labor Government is investing more than $660 million to deliver a Just Transition for Collie, attracting new industries and putting training opportunities in place as the economy transitions away from coal.
As well as Cook Government support, International Graphite received $4.7 million in Federal funding as part of the Critical Minerals Development Program to support its mine-to-market graphite supply chain plans in WA.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My Government is positioning WA as a global clean energy powerhouse and today's announcement confirms that Collie will be front and centre of that plan.
"Global demand for battery materials is soaring, and Collie will be home to a nation-leading battery materials production facility - ensuring the town remains a vital part of our energy future.
"Importantly, this project will create quality, long-term industrial jobs in the heart of Collie, helping to diversify the local economy and supporting the town's transition away from coal.
"We're backing Collie's future, creating local jobs and delivering a strong economy for generations to come."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"This is an exciting achievement for International Graphite and brings the project one step closer to full-scale commercial plans in Collie.
"We are excited to see the positive economic impact of next-generation industries choosing Collie as a base. The Cook Government has worked to attract these emerging sectors to the region and is thrilled to be continuing to secure long-term jobs for Collie workers.
"International Graphite is yet another example of industry increasing their product offering in Collie - which continues to boost the local economy through diversification and secure the region a strong future for generations to come.
Comments attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"This is an exciting milestone for International Graphite and its facility in Collie.
"The Cook Government has been working hard to attract new businesses and industries to Collie to diversify the economy and ensure a thriving community.
"International Graphite has already utilised Collie's skilled workforce and this plant will result in more job opportunities for local workers."
