Council backs proposed graphite processing facility for Rockingham-Kwinana industrial area

The City of Rockingham council has endorsed plans for a graphite processing plant in the Rockingham-Kwinana industrial area.

The $50 million development will support the lithium-ion battery manufacturing industry through the establishment of a processing plant that mills high-quality graphite flakes into battery-grade spherical graphite to be used in lithium batteries.

The facility at Lot 2 Zirconia Drive, East Rockingham, will include two main buildings for milling and purification, an administrative building, workshop and store, control room and laboratory, motor control room, 30 car parks in a secure area and three visitor car parks.

The proposed graphite processing plant will operate 24-7 and employ 46 regular staff.

The site will accommodate 16 staff during standard shift operations, with the number increasing to 30 during shift changeovers.

The facility will produce about 20,000 tonnes of purified spherical graphite per annum.

The application was advertised for public comment in February, with residents notified in writing and the application made available on the City’s website.

Two submissions were received that raised concerns over “exposure” to chemicals.

Applicant EcoGraf said “emissions can be considered insignificant and impacts at all nearest sensitive and commercial/industrial receptors is negligible”.

A city report said it was satisfied the location was appropriate.

The application will be brought back to the Joint Development Assessment Panel on September 6 for assessment.