The WA State Government has issued environmental approval for a new lithium manufacturing plant in the State’s South West.
The plant, to be built by American lithium heavyweight Albemarle, is to be located in the Kemerton Strategic Industrial Area, 17 kilometres north east of Bunbury.
Once constructed, it will process spodumene ore concentrate sourced from the Talison Lithium’s Greenbushes mine to produce up to 100,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide product.
Premier Mark McGowan said the Albemarle Kemerton Plant will create more than 500 construction jobs with an initial 100 operational jobs, increasing to up to 500 at full operational capacity.
“The Abermarle lithium plant is another step closer to setting up its operations which will generate hundreds of local jobs,” Mr McGowan continued.
“I’m pleased to see this project progressing, following my positive discussions with Albemarle’s directors during my visit to Washington earlier this year.
“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.”
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said the plant had undergone a thorough environmental assessment process by the Environment Protection Authority, which recommended the project could proceed subject to strict environmental conditions.
“Albemarle is another example of the McGowan Government achieving a balance between an acceptable environmental outcome and a prospering economy,” Mr Dawson concluded.
