2018-06-11
The Greens (WA) have called on the State Government to ensure that adequate infrastructure is in place to cater for the anticipated lithium boom in WA.
And according to Greens (WA) MLC for the South West, Diane Evers, this could mean taking another look at the possibility of reopening the disused Bunbury to Greenbushes rail line.
The Tianqi plant at Greenbushes is one of many around the state gearing up to increase production of lithium, expected to be in rising demand as the use of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and electronic devices continues to grow.
“The plant is looking at doubling production to more than 130,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate to supply the new refinery at Kwinana this year,” Ms Evers said.
A Tianqi Greenbushes spokesman has confirmed his company alone accounted for about 15 per cent of traffic on South Western Highway.
“Without rail freight, truck movements on the Highway all the way to Kwinana are set to increase sharply, contributing to wear and tear as well as greater safety risks,” Ms Evers said.
“The South West will also see increased mining activity as many of the minerals needed for the technology sector are found in the region.
“The mining activity, which would create thousands of new jobs, would bring families and associated businesses to the region, which would add pressure on the roads.”
The Bunbury-Greenbushes line has been deactivated for almost two decades, with the former Liberal Government claiming the cost of reopening the line would be prohibitive.
But Ms Evers said the gains from the burgeoning lithium industry could make it feasible.
“When current minister Mick Murray was in Opposition, he said the rail option should be explored,” she said.
“And we hope Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan will also be supportive, given her previous role as a minister for transport and infrastructure.”