Magnesium study launched into future Collie industry

The State Government has announced a feasibility study into establishing a carbon-neutral magnesium refinery in Collie. Premier Mark McGowan and Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan have pledged $280,000 from the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund towards the Magnesium Refinery Feasibility project. The move is aligned with the Government’s plan to help the town move away from traditional coal-based industries through the Future Battery and Critical Minerals Industries Strategy. “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,” Ms MacTiernan said. If the research shows a refinery would be feasible and it moves into development, the multi-staged scalable project could provide construction and operational jobs for Collie residents currently working in the coal industry. The proposal for the magnesium smelter has been put forward by Magnium Australia, a company founded in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic to explore and create projects that would keep downstream critical mineral processing in Australia. The Australian aluminium industry currently imports 99 per cent of its magnesium requirements from China. Collie Shire president Sarah Stanley said the town’s background and capabilities made it appealing to a growing list of companies in the technology sector, which would be supported by a workforce with readily transferrable skills. “Our skilled workforce, combined with energy and logistics infrastructure makes Collie an attractive proposition for energy-intensive industry such as minerals and metals manufacturers,” she said. “Magnium Australia’s proposal to produce magnesium in Collie has great potential for job opportunities for workers directly impacted by changes in the energy landscape. “The skills our workers have in our mines, power stations and alumina refinery are readily transferable to a new magnesium refinery.” Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns said the region was already on the radar of many innovative companies. “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.”