The State Government’s efforts to attract new and emerging industries into Collie’s transitioning economy continue to make progress, with a bid to establish a game-changing carbon neutral magnesium refinery taking the next step.
A pre-feasibility study – funded by the McGowan Government – into the viability of building a state-of-the-art magnesium plant in Collie has been completed, highlighting the South-West town as an ideal location in Western Australia for the proposed project.
Project proponents Magnium Australia seek to establish the world’s most energy efficient and low emissions production of magnesium from Australian minerals and renewable energy.
The multi-stage project would commercialise a breakthrough technology developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation for producing magnesium metal.
Magnesium ingots with purity greater than 99.8 per cent would be produced to create the lightweight metals and alloys needed for decarbonisation. This would support global supply chains in the aerospace and transport sectors, as well as in the production of other critical metals including titanium.
To support the industry with a feedstock of magnesium hydroxide, the McGowan Government will fund a feasibility study into the provision of magnesium hydroxide as a byproduct of desalination.
Up to $2 million will be invested in the initial stages of the Study, which will be conducted by Water Corporation in partnership with the South West Development Commission and the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
In addition, the State government will undertake further investigations and planning to enhance industrial land readiness and support new and emerging industries, including transport access and power supply solutions in strategic industrial areas.
Earlier this week the McGowan Government announced a $200 million Collie Industrial Transition Fund to secure major new industrial projects to Collie and support industrial land readiness.
For more information about the Collie Futures Fund, or to apply for funding, click here.
