A Member of Parliament questions the Minister for Mines and Petroleum regarding the Greenbushes lithium mine expansion, specifically concerning traffic impact and rail transport. The Minister responds that no expansion has been assessed or approved yet.

AnsweredQoN 577Legislative Council
Asked
18 May 2023
Portfolio
Mines and Petroleum

QuestionView source ↗

LITHIUM MINING —
GREENBUSHES
577. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Mines and Petroleum:
I
refer to the announcement that the Greenbushes lithium mine plans to double its
production volume in coming years.
(1) As part of
the Department of Mines and Petroleum processes to approve the expansion of
this mine, was consideration given to the impact of increased traffic on local
communities and a requirement set to use rail to transport its product?
(2) If no to (1),
why did the government not apply its policy of ''strongly supporting the
use of rail for heavy freight when economically and operationally feasible''?
(3) Did the
minister consult with the Minister for Transport in relation to the approval of
the mine expansion and the traffic impacts it will have on South Western
Highway?
(4) Will the
minister commit to requiring the mine operator to transport the increased
production volume via the existing Picton–Greenbushes rail line?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice
of the question. The following answer has been provided to me by the Minister
for Mines and Petroleum.
(1) The
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety is yet to assess or approve
an expansion of the Greenbushes lithium mine to double its production. The
company will be required to undertake extensive community consultation as part
of any assessment process.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) No, also noting that the line is
currently not operational.

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