The McGowan Government’s work to attract new industries to Collie is firing ahead with a feasibility study into establishing a carbon neutral magnesium refinery.
The McGowan Government will deliver $280,000 from the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund towards the Magnesium Refinery Feasibility project.
Magnium Australia aims to use renewable energy and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) technology to produce high purity magnesium using carbon neutral technology.
Magnium was founded in early 2020 as a focused response to the COVID-19 pandemic to explore and create projects for downstream processing of critical minerals in Australia, support local economies and boost Australia’s status as a world leader in innovation.
This project builds on the relationship Magnium has with the CSIRO as their exclusive commercialisation partner for the MagSonic technology for low emissions production of critical minerals.
Magnesium is a versatile, high value metal that can be used in alloys and components, hydrogen storage, electronics, medical implants and more.
Magnium’s smelter proposal aligns with the McGowan Government’s vision, through its Future Battery and Critical Minerals Industries Strategy, to develop a world-leading sustainable and value-adding battery and critical minerals sector that provides local jobs, supports economic diversification and benefits regional communities.
If a Collie refinery was to prove feasible and move into development, a significant number of construction and operational jobs could be created in a multi-staged scalable project.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“This study could lead to a significant opportunity for Western Australia to position itself as a leader in developing innovative and environmentally sustainable forms of metals production.
“We see huge potential for green mineral processing in WA, and this project would be a game-changer for Collie – delivering a world-leading industry for the community.
“The McGowan Government is continuing to invest to diversify the Collie economy away from a reliance on the coal industry, investigating new industries with potential for local jobs.”
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
“Collie is already gaining attention for the diverse range of new industries choosing to set up here, so I welcome the potential for this exciting new magnesium production facility.
“The town has a skilled workforce, a range of industrial land as well as good access to energy and transport infrastructure to support export focused industries, so it makes sense to investigate Collie as a desired location for this new energy-intensive industry.”
