Arc Infrastructure CEO Murray Cook welcomed the announcement and what it means for the possible upgrade of the railway from Bunbury – Greenbushes to support the transport of product from the Talison Lithium mine site.
“The need for upgrades and new unloading facilities at Bunbury and Kwinana ports are critical for the viability of a rail based supply chain in the South West.
“The commitment to further studies at these ports gives Arc Infrastructure further confidence to continue investigations into the railway upgrade to support this opportunity,” Mr Cook said.
While the recent downturn in the global lithium market has impacted expansion projects in WA, Arc Infrastructure remains committed to assisting Talison Lithium in shifting elements of its supply chain from road to rail in support of expansion plans.
Arc Infrastructure expects to commence detailed project feasibility on the rail infrastructure in late 2020.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Arc Infrastructure has been working with Talison Lithium and the South West Development Commission (SWDC) for two years on the feasibility of a rail based supply chain in the South West to support the transport of spodumene concentrate (lithium mineral).
A rail based supply chain requires infrastructure investments including loading facilities at the mine site and unloading facilities at Bunbury and Kwinana ports. This is in addition to the proposed investment by Arc Infrastructure into the 82kms of rail from Bunbury Port to Greenbushes.
The Greenbushes-Picton line has not been active since 2005.