McGowan Government welcomes lithium joint venture
25 July 2017
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WA lithium project receives funding from Chilean company
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Expected to create up to 780 jobs for Western Australians
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First time a Chilean company has invested in a WA mining project
WA Government: The McGowan Government has
welcomed a landmark agreement between Kidman Resources and Sociedad
Química Minera de Chile (SQM).
A 50:50 joint venture established between the companies will develop and
operate Kidman's world-class
Mt Holland lithium project, located near
Southern Cross.
The joint venture partners plan to build a downstream lithium refinery
in
Western Australia - increasing the State's presence in this emerging
field.
About 200 jobs will be created during the mine site's construction phase
and approximately 200 full-time jobs once operating.
At the refinery, up to 200 jobs are expected to be created during
construction and 180 full-time processing operational jobs.
Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill
Johnston:
"I welcome the joint venture between Kidman Resources and Sociedad
Química Minera de Chile, and the confidence shown in WA.
"SQM is a world leader in lithium and chemical production, and we look
forward to the expertise and skills they will bring to our State.
"The McGowan Government is committed to supporting WA's mining sector
and creating jobs."
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Source: Western Australia Government - www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au
Contact: Minister's office - 6552 6100
External Links: N/A
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