Collie’s transformation from a coal-reliant community to a hub of advanced, sustainable industry continues to gather pace, as several key projects reach significant milestones, heralding a new era for Western Australia’s South West.
Australia’s first low-emissions steel mill and Western Australia’s inaugural steel recycling facility are now one step closer to reality.
Green Steel of WA has secured all necessary regulatory and statutory approvals for its Collie-based project, supported by $2.7 million in funding from the WA government.
With front-end engineering design now complete, the project is approaching its final investment decision, marking a critical step towards establishing a domestic green steel industry.
In a state-first, Magnium’s state-of-the-art pilot plant is now operational in Collie’s Light Industrial Area.
The facility, backed by $7.5 million from the Collie Industrial Transition Fund, is a major milestone in Australia’s sustainable magnesium production.
The plant is set to play a pivotal role in securing a domestic supply of magnesium — a metal vital to the defence and automotive sectors — and positions Collie at the forefront of critical minerals manufacturing.
International Graphite has launched a feasibility study for its Battery Anode Material Facility at the Coolangatta Industrial Estate, reflecting growing industry interest in Collie.
The facility, which will produce graphite for batteries and other industrial uses, has received $12.5 million in state government support, further diversifying the region’s industrial base.
Tesla’s battery re-manufacturing facility is also progressing, with construction underway and completion slated for October 2025.
The site will service, repair, and renew Tesla’s battery products, including Megapacks, reinforcing Collie’s emerging reputation as a centre for renewable energy innovation.
These projects are underpinned by the WA government’s commitment to a “Just Transition” for Collie.
More than $662 million has been invested to attract new industries, retrain workers, and secure the region’s economic future as it transitions away from coal.
WA Premier and State Development Minister Roger Cook said: “My government is committed to delivering a Just Transition for Collie and establishing major new industries in town.
“Establishing a green iron and steel industry in WA is a key focus of our Made in WA plan, and Collie’s Green Steel Mill will kickstart this new industry.
“Hitting these key milestones is another step forward to securing Collie’s future as a major new industrial hub.
“These major job-creating projects are positioning Collie as the centre of WA’s plans to become a renewable energy powerhouse.”
Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns added: “The Just Transition Working Group has been working hard to secure major new industry in Collie.
“It is great to see the transition powering ahead and major milestones being reached.”
As Collie’s new industries take shape, the town stands as a model for communities navigating the global energy transition, combining government support, private investment, and community leadership to build a sustainable and prosperous future.