Four hundred local jobs will soon be available following Albemarle's recent announcement of contracts to Civmec and BGC Contracting for its lithium plant at Kemerton Industrial Park.
Civmec’s chief executive officer Patrick Tallon said they were delighted to have been selected as a significant contruction partner for the project.
"This two-year project is ideally suited to our operations, fabricating, modularising and site erecting steel work for this key Western Australian development," he said.
“This project reflects the growing confidence in the WA resource industry, highlighting a bright future for the coming years.”
The group’s Henderson facility will also be utilised to fabricate and pre-assemble selected components. Fabrication will commence immediately, with site works expected from mid-2019 to March 2021.
At peak of construction there will be approximately 300 workers involved, providing significant opportunity for skilled people living in the region.
Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce Industry chief executive Mark Seaward said the biggest benefit for the region would be when the plant transferred into operational mode and permanent jobs were created.
"The challenge for the chamber and local contractors is to win the subcontracting works as it will always be more cost effective for them to engage locally where the capabilities exist than to transfer a workforce into the area," he said.
"Our role is to liaise with companies like Civmec and to showcase our regional capabilities so that as many local companies as possible are engaged on the project."
BGC Contracting was awarded the earthworks contract, which will include early construction access, site facilities installation, site clearing and topsoil management.
Project director John Beattie and project manager Ryan Smyth will direct the team who are working to prepare for the commencement of site works.
“This is a great project for BGC Contracting and for the South West - it gives us a chance to grow our reputation in the region whilst providing new job opportunities for up to 100 local residents," he said.
“The demand for lithium and other specialty metals is growing worldwide and it is exciting for everyone at BGC Contracting.”
