The Western Australian government will invest AU$9.8 million in local manufacturing company Generation Steel to progress plans for Australia’s first low-emissions steel mill.
The funding injection, sourced from the state’s AU$230 million Collie Industrial Transition Fund, will also establish Western Australia’s first-ever steel recycling mill in the historic industrial town.
The grant will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Generation Steel, formerly known as Green Steel of WA, to finance essential pre-development activities as the project gears up for a final investment decision.
The milestone builds on an initial AU$4.5 million state commitment and follows the successful completion of a bankable feasibility study that proved the project’s commercial viability.
Once underway, construction of the advanced recycling mill is expected to create up to 500 regional jobs, with a further 217 ongoing roles expected once the plant is operational. The project forms a central pillar of the government’s Just Transition plan for Collie as the town shifts away from coal-fired power generation, alongside its Made in WA economic strategy.
Premier Roger Cook said the investment would secure Western Australia’s next generation of job-creating projects while expanding the state’s manufacturing self-reliance.
“Collie has played a vital role in powering Western Australia for decades, and under my government, it will continue to do so,” Cook said.
“I want to keep WA’s economy the strongest in the nation by securing the state’s next generation of job-creating projects, and that’s exactly what this funding will help deliver.”
Generation Steel aims to support more downstream processing and manufacturing within Australia and is committed to developing a steel project that delivers local jobs, economic opportunities, and long-term benefits for Collie and WA.
Generation Steel Executive Director Don Johnston said the project will harness modern technology to strengthen Australia’s sovereign industrial capabilities.
“This strengthens Australia’s sovereign steel industry, uses our scrap steel resources, and reduces reliance on steel imports,” Johnston said.
“We are committed to Collie, a town at the forefront of Australia’s shift away from coal-fired power.”