The McGowan Government has welcomed the opening of BMT Mercury Technology's (BMT) $10 million mercury technology facility in the Kwinana Strategic Industrial Area.
Officially opened by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson today, the facility generated about 200 jobs during construction and will generate another 10 permanent jobs as part of day-to-day operations.
BMT has been treating mercury-contaminated waste for more than 25 years. In January, the company committed to expanding its plant to double its capacity to treat waste in Kwinana.
The facility accepts, stores and treats mercury-contaminated waste from various sources, including Western Australia's oil and gas industry, preventing waste from being exported for treatment, being left in long-term storage or ending up in landfill.
The facility can treat 2,000 tonnes a year of mercury-contaminated waste and store up to 400 tonnes of waste at a time.
The facility is also consistent with the Minamata Convention and the Basel Convention, both signed by Australia, which guides global jurisdictions on the environmentally sound management and transport of mercury.
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Given the McGowan Government's focus on waste, I am very pleased to see this facility start operations and increase capacity. Not only does this facility address our priority to manage waste locally, generate jobs and protect the environment, it is also part of our responsibility under global conventions, of which Australia is a signatory.
"BMT's facility is an example of how Western Australia can manage some of the impacts locally and reduce the risks involved with transporting hazardous materials.
"It also supports our resources industry, and results in better waste management and environmental protection outcomes for Western Australia."
