Collie is set to become home to WA's first graphite processing plant, backed by a $2 million grant from the McGowan Government.
Western Australian based company International Graphite will establish the new micronising and graphite foil manufacturing facility in Collie's light industrial area.
The first stage of the project is expected to create around 40 full-time jobs for people in Collie and the surrounding region, with plans to expand the facility to add manufacturing capability.
The facility will include the capability to re-package and distribute expandable graphite powder for use in graphite foils and fire retardants.
Development of the plant will see manufacturing of graphite products for new technologies including mobile phones, computers, high-pressure sealants and fire-retardant building materials.
International Graphite is also researching and developing potential to process graphite to produce anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
This complements the aims of the McGowan Government, through the Future Battery and Critical Minerals Industry Strategy, to develop a value-adding battery industry in the State.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Our Government has worked hard to attract another new 21st century industry to Collie.
"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.
"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.
"We look forward to International Graphite progressing the development of the plant and creating more full-time jobs in Collie."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"The McGowan Labor Government has made a significant investment in order to attract International Graphite to Collie. This industry is a WA first - and it's happening right here.
"This is the reason for the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund - to position Collie to be a location of choice for new industries.
"I'm proud to say that we've delivered on this project, which shows the McGowan Government's support for Collie's Just Transition by creating local jobs for our committed, skilled, local workforce."
