Media Release: Outcome of Joint Feasibility Study into Greenbushes-to-Bunbury Railway Line

OUTCOME OF FEASIBILITY STUDY INTO GREENBUSHES-TO-BUNBURY RAILWAY LINE

A Joint Feasibility Study (Study) into recommissioning the Greenbushes-to-Bunbury rail line has been completed by the WA Government and industry partners, led by Talison Lithium. 

The study examined the technical feasibility, costs, and logistics of recommissioning 78 kilometres of disused rail for containerised transport of spodumene concentrate from the Greenbushes Lithium Operation to Bunbury Port, Kemerton, and Kwinana. It also considered options for new intermodal terminals (IMT) and assessed potential safety, environmental, and community impacts. 

The study concluded that while there are no technical barriers to recommissioning the line, significant upgrades and new infrastructure would be required. After consulting with industry, community, and government stakeholders, Talison Lithium has determined that implementing a safe and efficient mixed road-and-rail transport supply chain using the Greenbushes-to-Bunbury rail line is not economically feasible at this time. 

Approximately 38 kilometres of track would need complete replacement, and modern control systems would be required to safely manage 76 level crossings and 17 pedestrian crossings. Additional handling infrastructure and compliance measures added substantial cost, making the combined road-and-rail option considerably more expensive than continuing with road transport alone. 

Talison Lithium CEO Rob Telford acknowledged the WA Government’s leadership in jointly funding the Study, which enabled engagement with community and industry stakeholders, alongside detailed technical and logistics assessments. 

“This process has given us a comprehensive understanding of the technical feasibility, logistical constraints, associated costs, and community impacts to ensure we made an informed decision,” Mr Telford said.  

Mr Telford noted community considerations were a key factor in the decision. 

“We looked closely at whether rail could genuinely reduce impacts for local residents,” Mr Telford said. “Even with rail, trucks would still be needed for the ‘first and final mile’ between the Greenbushes Lithium Operation and North Greenbushes IMT, and from the Picton IMT to Bunbury Port. With 76 level crossings and 17 pedestrian crossings along the route, the overall exposure to the community would not be materially reduced.

He noted the study provided valuable insights to assist government and other potential users of the rail line in future planning. 

“The Greenbushes Lithium Operation anticipates operating for many years and Talison remains committed to long-term, collaborative planning with our communities into the future. This work gives us a clearer picture of what’s possible and what’s practical as we plan for the long term.” 

 

Media Contact

Grace Borrello

E: grace.borrello@talisonlithium.com

Talison Brings Science and Fun to the Bridgetown Agricultural Show

Last month’s Bridgetown Agricultural Show was a day to remember! The event is always a highlight on the local calendar, and this year was no exception. Not even a thunderstorm could dampen the spirits as the community turned out in force, despite the wild weather, to enjoy one of the region’s most-loved events on Saturday, 22 November.

Supporting local events like this matters to Talison because, as a predominantly residential mine, many of our people call towns across the South West home. These communities are special because of the incredible mix of local groups, diverse industries, and talented people - farmers, artists, makers, and volunteers - who bring so much vibrancy and creativity to the region. Events like the Bridgetown Show celebrate all of that in one place, and we’re proud to be part of it.

Talison was pleased to once again sponsor free entry for children aged 12 and under, helping make this much-loved community event more accessible to everyone.

Our marquee was buzzing all day - except for a short break when lightning sent us to a safer building - with hands-on science activities and plenty of fun for all ages.

Kids loved the sandpit play area, while the Laboratory Team’s Oobleck experiment captivated curious minds, proving science can be both messy and magical. For those a little older and keen on gaming, our Mining Team offered an immersive experience with an interactive video game set inside our pit operations.

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat and learn more about our operations, and a special thanks to the Talison team who gave up their weekend to make it all happen!

Join Us at Our 2025 Mine Open Day

Talison is proud to play a key role in the global transition to cleaner energy as the world’s leading supplier of lithium mineral concentrates. But we know that how we do things matters just as much as what we do. That’s why Open Day is so important, it’s our opportunity to share that journey with our community.

 As a residential mine, it’s a time for our team to welcome friends, family and neighbours to see what we do firsthand. We also invite anyone in the community who has questions or wants to learn more about how we operate to come along, ask us anything and get to know us better. This is a chance to see things up close, have open conversations and learn more about how we’re working together for a better future.

 To us, it’s not just about big trucks, shiny rocks or selfies in hard hats (though we love those too). We care about doing the right thing - for our people, our environment, and our communities. Open Day is our chance to show how we’re tracking on that commitment.

  What’s on:

  • Live music

  • Food trucks

  • Kids’ activities including face painting, LEGO & a sandpit

  • Displays from Talison, our contractors & local community groups

 Mine ToursVery Limited Spots Remaining!
Join a 2.5-hour tour of our mine and processing areas.
Book now: https://www.trybooking.com/DEBZE

We’re proud of the work we do and excited to share it with you.

Key Details

  • Date: Saturday 20 September 2025

  • Time: 8.30am - 5pm

  • Location: Greenbushes Town Centre (follow event signs)

Talison Helps Bring Inclusive Play Space for All Ages and Abilities to Life at Sandakan Park in Boyup Brook

Talison was proud to join the Shire of Boyup Brook and the local community to celebrate the official opening of the new all-ages, all-abilities playground at Sandakan Park, a project proudly supported through our Community Investment Program (CIP).

Talison contributed $1.716 million to the project, replacing the aging playground and launching a broader transformation of Sandakan Park into a vibrant, inclusive space for families, visitors, and tourists.

Talison CEO Rob Telford spoke at the event, reflecting on the deeper meaning behind the project:

“This playground pretty much represents what’s most important to us at Talison. When I talk to our people, we talk about safety, about making it home each day, because there are more important things than work. And the thing I always talk about is family, which is everyone we have here today. Thank you all for coming along. Kids, I hope you think this is awesome, because it’s all for you.”

The Shire of Boyup Brook were fantastic partners throughout the project, working hand-in-hand with the community, some of whom are also part of our workforce, to deliver this exceptional play space. The Shire formed a dedicated working group to ensure the playground reflects the unique needs, values, and aspirations of local residents.

Shire President Cr Richard Walker said “This family-friendly play space has something for everyone, regardless of age or ability - from the massive 8m tower reflecting our heritage, to the amazing slides, inclusive swings, dual cableway, table tennis table, climbing rocks, and accessible BBQ area. And not to forget the soon-to-be-completed ninja warrior course, exercise equipment area, and dog park. This inclusive space is something our community will continue to enjoy for many years to come. Thank you for your valuable investment in the community of Boyup Brook. We look forward to continuing our partnership and friendship with Talison into the future.”

Ben and Harmony, students at Boyup Brook High School, also spoke at the event:
Ben: “Having a playground like this means so much to us. It gives us somewhere to meet up with friends, be active, and have a good time outdoors.”

Harmony: “On behalf of all young people in Boyup Brook, thank you Talison Lithium. Your support has made such a big difference, and we really appreciate it.”

This initiative was funded through Talison’s Community Investment Program, launched in 2023 to support long-term, community-led projects in the towns our workforce calls home.

It was clear at the official opening that this is more than just a playground, it’s a legacy. It honours the rich history and heritage of the area, including the iconic flax mill, now immortalised in the 8m slide. The play space is a symbol of what can be achieved when industry, local government, and community come together. The result is a vibrant, inclusive space that will benefit generations to come. Well done to all those involved.

Update to mine blast schedule

As part of Talison Lithium’s ongoing commitment to being a better neighbour, we’re updating our mine blasting schedule starting 1 July 2025. These changes reflect feedback received from the community, and were shaped through a period of community engagement to ensure they are appropriate and considerate of local needs, particularly those of Greenbushes Primary School.

What’s Changing?

This is not an increase in blasting frequency, just a change to the time windows when blasting may occur. Prior to the change blast time windows were 12:00pm – 1:00pm and 5:00pm – 6:00pm (when required). The new blast time windows effective 1 July 2025 are Morning: 9:15am – 9:45am (new), Lunchtime: 1:15pm – 1:45pm (adjusted following feedback from Greenbushes Primary School), and Evening: 4:45pm – 5:30pm (adjusted). Blasting may occur within these windows based on operational needs and weather, see schedule below for details.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work to balance operational needs with the wellbeing of our community. For any questions or feedback, please contact our Community team by emailing gbcontact@talisonlithium.com.

Media Release: Talison Welcomes EPA’s Assessment Decision for Capacity Expansion Projects

Talison Lithium welcomes the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) decision to refer its proposed capacity expansion projects for the Greenbushes Lithium Operation to a Public Environmental Review.

Talison is the world’s largest supplier of lithium mineral concentrate, a key component in the global transition to cleaner energy, and to help meet global demand, its Greenbushes Lithium Operation needs to grow.

Talison’s submission to the EPA includes the expansion of the current Floyds Waste Rock Landform and the addition of a new waste rock landform to the east of its current footprint. The submission also proposes increasing water storage capacity and building a crossing on the South Western Highway with supporting infrastructure.

Talison Lithium CEO Rob Telford said the EPA assessment is an opportunity to demonstrate that the project is being designed to balance growth needs with environmental and community expectations.

“Talison’s Greenbushes Lithium Operation is home to one of the world's most important critical mineral deposits.

“Our operations must reflect the better world we are helping to create by prioritising sustainability, safety, and respect for people and the environment.

“We want to work with the local community and other stakeholders to identify and, where possible, mitigate potential impacts.

“We welcome the opportunity to continue this engagement as the EPA assessment progresses and encourage the community to participate in the public comment process.”