New WA graphite processing hub part of Collie’s transition away from coal towards new industries, more jobs

A WA-first hub for processing graphite will be built in Collie in a bid to help the town transition away from coal. The processing plant will be set up to help Collie shift towards 21st century industries and potentially emerge as a frontrunner in lithium battery production. WA-based company International Graphite will establish the new facility, which is set to process graphite to be used in new technologies including mobile phones, computers, high-pressure sealants and fire-retardant building materials. Chair Phil Hearse said the project would create 40 full-time jobs for local workers when operational, which he anticipated would be by the end of next year. Mr Hearse said Collie was an ideal location for the facility because of its access to power and a skilled workforce. “This is an opportunity to join Collie to be founding members of a new renewable hub,” he said. “We selected Collie because of the community understanding industry and change and looking to diversify its work base. And also it’s a good hub.” Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced a $2 million funding boost to help establish the facility. “We have made a commitment to the people of Collie that we will have new industries ready when (the transition) happens to ensure there is ongoing employment and economic opportunities in this region,” she said. “Many of those jobs will be technical jobs ... the skill sets that are the ones that will become available as the power stations close down, so we see this as a perfect fit for creating ongoing 21st-century jobs in Collie.” She said the hub would help pitch WA as a “big player” in battery production. “Graphite is going to be very much a 21st-century product,” Ms MacTiernan said. Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns said the project was about making sure emerging jobs and technologies were coming to and locating themselves in Collie after coal-fired power stations closed. The new industry opportunity comes as part of Collie’s Just Transition plan to shift industry and reliance away from coal to a strong and sustainable future.