The Western Australian Government has given the environmental approval to US-based Albemarle Corporation for the development of a $1 billion lithium plant in the Kemerton Strategic Industrial Area, about 17 kilometres north east of Bunbury.

Approximately 1,000 jobs are expected to be generated by this billion dollar project - including 500 construction and 500 operational jobs.

“The Albemarle lithium plant is another step closer to setting up its operations which will generate hundreds of local jobs.

“The State is a world-leading producer of lithium and WA has an abundant supply of lithium and other battery minerals which is why it’s vital we maximise the opportunities this industry provides, both upstream and downstream, to Western Australians,” Premier Mark McGowan said.

Once the lithium plant is operational, it will be able to produce up to 100,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide products. The lithium plant at Kemerton will be sourcing and processing spodumene ore concentrate from the nearby Greenbushes mine that is being developed by Talison Lithium - a joint venture between Albemarle Corporation and China-based Tianqi Lithium.

Albemarle’s lithium plant is expected to become the second as well as the largest lithium hydroxide producing facility in the State once construction is completed.

“The Albemarle lithium plant has undergone a thorough environmental assessment process by the Environment Protection Authority, which recommended the project could proceed subject to strict environmental conditions,” Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said.

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Source: Government of Western Australia; The West Australian; Australian Mining; Mining Technology; WA Today