The Federal Government has awarded the EcoGraf Battery Anode Materials Facility in Western Australia with Major Project Status.
EcoGraf will develop a processing facility to produce high purity spherical graphite for direct supply to battery anode manufacturers in Europe, Asia and America, and is expected to be the first graphite processing plant outside of China.
Companies awarded Major Project Status can access extra support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency, including being provided with a single-entry point for Australian Government approvals, project support and coordination.
Industry, Science and Technology Minister Christian Porter said the project will offer significant benefits to WA, including up to 250 new jobs during the construction phase, and up to 65 new jobs during the operational phase.
“The Australian Government is committed to boosting investment in the Australia’s critical minerals industry to help build our sophisticated manufacturing capability and deliver new jobs across the country, and particularly to our regional areas,” Porter said.
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“This project will make a high-value contribution to the growth of our critical minerals industry, and open up opportunities for further project developments.”
Resources, Water and Northern Australia Minister Keith Pitt said the decision to award Major Project Status to EcoGraf recognised the strategic significance of the project to Australia.
“EcoGraf is an excellent example of what we want to see more of in Australia – our raw materials being downstream processed right here in Australia, adding value to our exports and creating well paid and sustainable jobs for Australian workers in the process,” Pitt said.
“The project will also use EcoGraf’s own purification technology that eliminates the use of hydrofluoric acid leading to a cost-effective and environmentally friendly purification process.”