The Western Australian Government has awarded International Graphite an additional $6.5 million grant to progress the establishment of Australia’s first downstream graphite processing plant at Collie.
The grant was announced by WA Premier the Hon. Roger Cook at the Company’s R&D Facility during the Collie Industry Transition Expo on Saturday 20 April 2024. It brings total funding from the State’s Collie Just Transition Program to $8.5 million and total grant funding from State and Federal Governments to $13.2 million.
The funding will establish commercial-scale micronising operations and progress battery anode feasibility work for concentrate feedstock from the Springdale Graphite Project.
The plant is expected to be Australia’s first purpose-built graphite processing facility and will significantly increase the nation’s sovereign supply of critical battery minerals. It is expected to be operating by the end of 2025.
Premier Cook said: “My Government is positioning WA as a global clean energy powerhouse and today’s announcement confirms that Collie will be front and centre of that plan.
“Global demand for battery materials is soaring, and Collie will be home to a nation-leading battery materials production facility – ensuring the town remains a vital part of our energy future.
“Importantly, this project will create quality, long-term industrial jobs in the heart of Collie, helping to diversify the local economy and supporting the town’s transition away from coal.
“We’re backing Collie’s future, creating local jobs and delivering a strong economy for generations to come.”
International Graphite Chairman Phil Hearse said, “We are thrilled by the support and leadership the Western Australian Government is providing to our emerging critical minerals industry and proud of their confidence in us to deliver real benefits for Collie and the State.
“The grants are designed to encourage innovation in three areas – green manufacturing, minerals processing, and energy intensive or future clean energy initiatives. International Graphite’s operations support all three, making our project an extremely good fit with the Government’s priorities for the industry and the region.”
The release of funds is subject to a formal agreement being finalised.
Read the Premier’s Media Statement
Captions:
1. WA Premier Roger Cook makes the announcement and tours the Collie R&D facility.
2. (L-R) WA Regional Development Minister Don Punch, IG6 Chairman Phil Hearse, Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns and IG6 Managing Director and CEO Andrew Worland on the site of the new commercial micronising plant in the Collie Light Industrial Area.
3. IG6 Project Manger Josh Hearse demonstrates the micronised graphite product to the Premier and Ms Hanns.
4. L-R Jodie Hanns, Premier Cook, Phil Hearse and Minister Punch