Western Australian based company, International Graphite, is set to build the state’s first downstream graphite processing plant in Collie’s light industrial area.
On Tuesday, the Western Australian Government announced it will provide the company with a $2 million grant from the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund.
Stage one of the plant, which is the first of its kind in Australia, will include graphite micronising and foils product lines and is expected to create up to 40 full-time local jobs.
The facility will include the capability to re-package and distribute expandable graphite powder for use in graphite foils and fire retardants.
International Graphite is also researching and developing the potential to process graphite to produce anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Regional Development Minister, Alannah MacTiernan, said the State Government is working 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,” Minister MacTiernan said.
“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.”
Collie-Preston MLA, Jodie Hanns, said: “The McGowan 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.”
International Graphite Chairman, Phil Hearse, said he is 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,” he added.