Earthworks have commenced on a lithium processing plant in the South West, which is expected to create more than 1,000 local jobs.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
Albemarle Corporation’s lithium hydroxide manufacturing plant will be constructed on an 89 hectare site in the Kemerton Strategic Industrial Area.
The plant has approval to process spodumene ore concentrate from the Talison Lithium Greenbushes mine, through five process trains.
It is expected to produce up to 100,000 tonnes per annum of lithium hydroxide.
Development approval for construction of plant infrastructure will be sought from the Southern Joint Development Assessment Panel early in the new year.
The Albemarle Kemerton Plant will create more than 500 construction jobs and an initial 100 operational jobs, increasing to 500 at full operational capacity.
Kemerton, which is located in the Shire of Harvey, is the South West’s largest strategic industrial area.
It was designed to host major downstream processing industries that add value to the region’s primary resources.
Acting Premier Roger Cook said the commencement of construction by Albemarle demonstrated the benefits presented to the South West and the state by the government’s investment in Kemerton.
“This initiative paves the way for additional downstream processing industries to be established in Kemerton in the future, which will mean more jobs for regional WA,” he said.
“The announcement of the Albemarle Kemerton Plant underscored the importance of Strategic Industrial Areas.”
Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said the proposed lithium processing plant was a major win for WA and the country’s lithium industry.
“A project of this scale is a major boost for WA’s economy with over 800 jobs expected to be created and significant flow-on effects for local businesses,” he said.
“We know there is growing demand for lithium around the world and also locally, particularly in areas such as energy storage and this presents huge future opportunities for Australia’s lithium industry.
“We’re the world’s largest lithium producer and there is significant potential to grow investment in infrastructure at various stages within the value chain such as lithium processing.
“This is a welcome investment and vote of confidence in our local lithium industry that will help attract further investment into the future.”
Two of the world’s largest lithium producers — Chinese company Tianqi and now US company Albemarle have both invested in downstream lithium processing in WA.
There are also three other processing plants in the development phase in the state.
Forrest MP Nola Marino said the project would provide a significant economic boost to both people and businesses in the South West.
“It’s a great thing for my South West region, particularly in the jobs space,” she said.
“Albemarle will have access to a skilled workforce in my South West region and also have training options through South Regional TAFE.
“We’re going to see a greater development of opportunities and secondary processing opportunities from this industry particularly in my electorate of Forrest.”
Commissioning of the Kemerton Plant is expected to begin in 2021.
