Western Australian based company International Graphite has received $2 million in state government funding to make Collie home to WA’s first graphite processing plant.
International Graphite will establish the new micronising and graphite foil manufacturing facility in Collie’s light industrial area, with the first stage of the project expected to create around 40 full-time jobs.
The new facility, which will manufacture graphite products for new technologies including mobile phones, computers, high-pressure sealants and fire-retardant building materials, will also include the capability to re-package and distribute expandable graphite powder for use in graphite foils and fire retardants.
International Graphite, which plans future expansion of the facility to add manufacturing capability, is also researching and developing potential to process graphite to produce anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the state government grant would support the first stage of the project.
“International Graphite selected Collie as a strategic location for the new processing and manufacturing plant, based on existing regional industries and infrastructure, skilled local workforce, and ability to access overseas markets,” the Minister continued.
“This is a big win for Collie’s Just Transition – a collaborative effort by the McGowan Government, industry and the community to attract new industries to the region as the world moves away from coal-fired energy production.”
IG Chairman Phil Hearse said he was thrilled with the support and confidence the Government had shown in the company.
“This very generous grant enables us to turn our vision into reality,” Mr Hearse said.
“In the future, we plan to grow both the volume and the range of products we produce and to be the catalyst for a renewable technologies hub.
“Our business is technology based and fits well with the WA Government’s plans to establish a battery industry in WA.
“We want to use that to put Collie on the world map and to ensure the Collie community benefits from the opportunities before us now – and in the future.”
