International Graphite ready to test international market

• International Graphite takes next step towards commercialisation, helping to drive forward Australia's graphite industry
• Project supported by the Collie Futures Fund, part of the State Government's plan to transition Collie's economy by attracting new business and industry

The Cook Government welcomes an announcement today that International Graphite is another step closer towards commercial production, as the company continues to scale up in Collie's transitioning economy and create a pipeline of future jobs for the South West.

International Graphite has installed and commissioned a new qualification-scale graphite micronising plant in Collie that will produce graphite for testing by prospective customers.

Enquiries have already been received from potential customers around the globe, who are seeking micronised graphite for industrial and battery applications.

Micronising is the first step to producing anode material used in the lithium-ion batteries manufactured for electric vehicles and green energy storage.

International Graphite plans to establish a fully integrated mine to market graphite operation in Western Australia based on a graphite mine and concentrate production facility at Springdale, near Hopetoun, with battery anode facilities in Collie.

The Cook Government has already invested more than $660 million to deliver a Just Transition for Collie, attracting new industries and putting training opportunities in place as the economy transitions away from coal.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"Congratulations to International Graphite on this important next step.

"It's great to see how funding through the State Government's Collie Futures Fund is encouraging businesses like International Graphite to choose Collie as a base.

"As part of a Just Transition, my Government is committed to working with the community and industry to set up Collie for a strong future, and create quality local jobs across a range of industries."

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:

"This is an exciting milestone for International Graphite, and an exciting signpost in Collie's journey as we build resilience through economic diversification.

"The Cook Government is investing in new and emerging industries in Collie to create job and training opportunities for local people across a range of industries, ensuring a strong future for the community."

Comments attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:

"This is another exciting milestone for International Graphite. 

"I am really pleased with the benefits that are expected to flow to the community, with International Graphite intending to build on Collie's highly skilled technical workforce and create new jobs.

"This will provide the opportunity to train on new equipment and build a career in an emerging new industry."