$500m new rare earths processing facility in WA now under construction

Major construction on Lynas Rare Earths’ processing facility in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia is officially underway, marked by a sod turning ceremony. 

The development of the new Kalgoorlie Rare Earths Processing Facility will place Western Australia at the centre of the critical minerals industry. 

“This is an exciting moment for Kalgoorlie and the Western Australian economy, as we take an important step in diversifying our economy and creating new jobs. 

“Western Australia is in a prime position to establish our place at the centre of the global critical minerals supply chain for generations to come. 

“The McGowan Government and Lynas Rare Earths have worked with local contractors and workers to bring this vision to fruition for the benefit of our State and to benefit communities in the Goldfields,” Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said. 

Once completed, the facility will be processing Rare Earth concentrate from Lynas’ Mt Weld mine. 

The project site, Lot 500 Great Eastern Highway, was chosen because Kalgoorlie-Boulder is en route from the Mt Weld mine to the Fremantle port. This location also presents “attractive attributes” such as: 

• A skilled residential workforce in a very liveable community 
• The availability of recycled water from the City’s water treatment facility 
• The availability of industrial land, gas, power, chemicals and transport options 
• Strong local METS (Mining, Engineering, Technical Services) support 
• Established education and training institutions (TAFE and Curtin University’s WA School of Mines) 

Source: Lynas Rare Earths

The $500 million project is expected to create approximately 290 jobs during its construction phase, with a $204 million output generated over a two-year period. When operational, the Rare Earths Processing Facility will support up to 128 new jobs, bringing the company’s total Goldfields workforce to more than 200. 

Lynas’ new facility also supports the State Government’s vision to grow Western Australia’s battery and critical minerals sector through the Future Battery and Critical Minerals Industries Strategy that helps boost exports as well as increase investment, diversify the economy and create thousands of high-quality, well-paid local jobs. 

Throughout the construction phase, Lynas Rare Earths will commit to supporting the local economy by utilising local trades and purchasing materials from nearby suppliers. 

Earlier this year, Lynas Rare Earths secured the final approval from the West Australian Environment Minister. You can read more about it here. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Australian Mining; Lynas Rare Earths