Magnium Australia has been awarded a $6.25 million grant by the Australian Government for its Collie Pilot Plant project, which aims to revolutionise the production of high-purity magnesium metal. The project is significant for its potential to strengthen Australia's sovereign capabilities and critical metal access while setting a new global standard for sustainable magnesium production.
The Pilot Plant, set to begin construction in 2023, will have a capacity to produce 800 tonnes of high purity, lower emissions magnesium metal. The Pilot Plant will demonstrate the viability of its breakthrough carbothermic technology on a semi-commercial scale, paving the way for large-scale production of green magnesium metal by 2027.
Magnesium plays a critical role in numerous industries, including automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy. Its lightweight, high-strength properties make it essential for fuel efficiency, emission reduction, and advanced manufacturing. The unique properties of magnesium make it indispensable in the defence industry, where lightweight, strong, and durable components are critical. Australia, with its abundant magnesium feedstock resources, has the potential to become a global leader in this sector.
The federal grant will allow Magnium to accelerate the development of its CSIRO-developed technology and bring it to market sooner, which will contribute to Australia's position as a global leader in the critical minerals sector. Additionally, the grant acknowledges the significant contribution of the Western Australian Government's recent $5 million grant towards the establishment of the Pilot Plant, based in Collie, 200km south of Perth.
"This grant from the Critical Minerals Office is a significant milestone for Magnium Australia and demonstrates the federal government's commitment to supporting innovation in the manufacturing sector," said Magnium Australia's CEO, Shilow Shaffier. "With the establishment of the pilot plant, we will be able to scale up our next-gen technology and make a significant contribution to Australia's critical metal manufacturing capabilities."
Available for interview:
Shilow Shaffier, CEO Magnium Australia
Media Contact:
Michelle Wearing-Smith
Strategic Communications, Magnium Australia
+61 408 606 542
[email protected]
About Magnium Australia
Magnium Australia is a cutting-edge magnesium processing, early growth company that is committed to revolutionising the way magnesium is manufactured. The company's next-gen technology, which has been in development by the CSIRO since 2003, can produce high-purity magnesium metal with less energy and lower cost requirements than traditional manufacturing methods. The company is pioneering an innovative approach to magnesium production by utilising a fully electrified process that can produce "green metal".
Funding
The $6.25 million grant forms part of the Critical Minerals Development Program (CMDP) that provides up to $50 million over 3 years for competitive grants to support early and mid-stage critical minerals projects. The CMDP aims to help grow Australia’s Critical Minerals industry, support Australia’s transition to net zero emissions and support economic development and jobs in regional communities.
