Ausco Modular’s Shenton College building scheduled for Term 3 completion

Continuing a recent string of modular construction-related announcements by state governments, Western Australia’s premier has visited a facility under construction at Shenton College. According to a statement from the WA government on Thursday, premier Roger Cook and education minister Dr Tony Buti inspected the $15 million double-storey building, manufactured at Kwinana by Ausco Modular workers. …

Critical mineral nickel slump spurs government action

A slump in prices for the critical mineral nickel – used in battery manufacture – has brought action from the federal and Western Australian governments. In the past few days federal Resources Minister Madeleine King placed nickel on the Critical Minerals List, giving nickel companies opportunity to access billions of dollars in Commonwealth funding. And…

First battery graphite produced in WA

International Graphite has successful commissioned its new qualification-scale graphite micronising plant (pictured) at Collie, south of Perth which will produce graphite used in battery anodes. The 200tpa microniser is the largest in Australia and a milestone in the development of a domestic graphite industry, according to the company. International Graphite told investors: “It will be…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

HEX20 announces partnership with ispace and Skyroot Aerospace Adelaide-based smallsat company HEX20 has announced a strategic partnership with India’s Skyroot Aerospace and Japan’s ispace, “to leverage the combined technical prowess and regional networks of the three pioneering companies.” Lloyd Lopez, CEO of HEX20, said an MoU formalising the partnership was signed at the 74th International…

Pacific Energy awarded $2.4 million grant to boost production

The Western Australian government has awarded remote energy generation company Pacific Energy $2.4 million in funding through the Investment Attraction Fund, which the company says will be used to strengthen its renewable energy division’s manufacturing operation and diversify the state’s economy. Pacific Energy said in a statement on Tuesday that the grant recognises its “ability…

WA and Indonesia’s action plan for critical minerals

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has signed a Plan of Action with Indonesia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) during the Republic of Indonesia President Joko Widodo’s visit to Australia. The agreement will further strengthen Western Australia’s economic ties, trade, and supply chain opportunities with Indonesia, including cooperation in critical minerals sectors. It follows the…

WA streamlines approval process for green energy projects

The Western Australian government has streamlined the approvals process for green energy projects, with a new pathway for environmental assessments set to reduce project approval timeframes. The $22.5 million commitment announced last year will overhaul the State’s approach to environmental approvals while delivering coordinated, cross-government support for proponents and investors. The Green Energy Approvals Initiative…