The first sod of soil has been turned for the $400 million Kwinana lithium processing plant and construction is ramping up. The Western Australian Government has welcomed the beginning of works on the processing facility after they have given the green light for construction back in September 2016.
“This project is a major development for Western Australia and will boost the local economy in Kwinana, with up to 500 jobs to be created during the construction process,” said Premier Collin Barnett.
A further 115 employees will be needed as well once the facility is fully operational by the end of 2018. Production is also expected to double at the Greenbushes mine – near Bunbury – which will be supplying the Kwinana plant and this will be a good opportunity for the South-West of the State.
According to State Development Minister Bill Marmion, the State Government has been working closely with Tianqi’s Australian subsidiary in order to secure this investment for Western Australia.
“A concerted effort was made to ensure a suitable site and cross-government approvals were secured, in order for a timely investment decision to be made.
“This is an important manufacturing project which adds value to natural resources development in Western Australia and increases our capacity to produce higher value products,” Mr Marmion said.
Tianqi has finalised a 49-year lease with LandCorp for a 20-hectare site within the Western Trade Coast, said Lands Minister Terry Redman.
“The proximity to vital infrastructure and support services and the port and skilled labour provided by the Western Trade Coast, were significant factors in the State’s success in attracting this project,” Mr Redman said.
Receive the latest industry news and project updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to the PlantMiner newsletter today.
Source: Government of Western Australia