The McGovern government is pushing ahead with a feasibility study to build a carbon-neutral magnesium refinery to attract new industries to Curry.
The McGowan government will allocate US $280000 from the establishment of the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund for magnesium refining feasibility projects.
Magnium Australia aims to use renewable energy and the technology of (CSIRO), a federal scientific and industrial research organization, to produce high-purity magnesium using carbon neutralization technology.
Magnium was established in early 2020 as a focused response to the COVID-19 pandemic to explore and create downstream processing projects for key minerals in Australia, support the local economy and enhance Australia's position as a world innovation leader.
The project builds on the relationship between Magnium and CSIRO, with CSIRO as its exclusive commercial partner for MagSonic technology for low-emission production of key minerals.
Magnesium is a widely used high-value metal, which can be used in alloys and components, hydrogen storage, electronic products, medical implants and so on.
Magnium's smelter proposal is in line with the vision of the McGowan government to develop the world's leading sustainable and value-added battery and key mining sectors through its future battery and key mining industry strategy, providing local jobs, supporting economic diversification and benefiting regional communities.
If a Curley refinery proves feasible and enters the development phase, a large number of construction and operational jobs can be created in a multi-stage scalable project.
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan commented, "this study may provide Western Australia with an important opportunity to position itself as a leader in the development of innovative and environmentally sustainable forms of metal production. We see great potential for green mineral processing in Western Australia, and this project will change Curley's game of providing the community with a world-leading industry. The McGovern government is continuing to invest to diversify the Colley economy away from dependence on the coal industry and to research new industries with local employment potential. "
"Collie has attracted attention for the various new industries it has chosen to set up here, so I welcome the potential of this exciting new magnesium production facility," Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns said. The town has a skilled labor force, a range of industrial land and good energy and transport infrastructure to support export-focused industries, so it makes sense to use Collie as an ideal location for this new energy-intensive industry. "
