The McGowan Government's efforts to attract new and emerging industries into Collie's transitioning economy continue to make progress, with a bid to establish a game-changing carbon neutral magnesium refinery taking the next step.
A pre-feasibility study - funded by the McGowan Government - into the viability of building a state-of-the-art magnesium plant in Collie has been completed, highlighting the South-West town as an ideal location in Western Australia for the proposed project.
Project proponents Magnium Australia seek to establish the world's most energy efficient and low emissions production of magnesium from Australian minerals and renewable energy.
The multi-stage project would commercialise a breakthrough technology developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation for producing magnesium metal.
Magnesium ingots with purity greater than 99.8 per cent would be produced to create the lightweight metals and alloys needed for decarbonisation. This would support global supply chains in the aerospace and transport sectors, as well as in the production of other critical metals including titanium.
To support the industry with a feedstock of magnesium hydroxide, the McGowan Government will fund a feasibility study into the provision of magnesium hydroxide as a byproduct of desalination.
Up to $2 million will be invested in the initial stages of the Study, which will be conducted by Water Corporation in partnership with the South West Development Commission and the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
In addition, the State government will undertake further investigations and planning to enhance industrial land readiness and support new and emerging industries, including transport access and power supply solutions in strategic industrial areas.
Earlier this week the McGowan Government announced a $200 million Collie Industrial Transition Fund to secure major new industrial projects to Collie and support industrial land readiness.
For more information about the Collie Futures Fund, or to apply for funding, visit www.swdc.wa.gov.au
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Magnium's proposal will help build Western Australia's capability in critical minerals processing industries and deliver a real win for Collie - driving new blue-collar local jobs for the town.
"We will continue to work closely with project proponents to get this project off the ground, including addressing land and infrastructure needs.
"The McGowan Government is absolutely committed to a strong future for Collie, and detailed work on projects like this is what will deliver for local workers."
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
"WA's State-owned Water Corporation is already a world leader in desalination technology, providing up to 145 gigalitres of drinking water from desalination to the people of Perth and the State's South-West in response to the impacts of climate change.
"Water Corporation's innovative work to enable the extraction of green magnesium from the by-product of desalination is to be celebrated."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"Collie has much to offer - and with support from the McGowan Government, it is getting attention from companies looking to establish innovative projects.
"By leveraging the town's strengths, the McGowan Government is attracting private sector investment that will create the jobs of the future for Collie and the wider community.
"It is fantastic that Collie's potential is being recognised, attracting really innovative proposals and setting Collie up for the long-term as an industrial town with jobs for local workers."
