Greenbushes to Bunbury Rail Project – Detailed Feasibility Study Outcome

December 2025

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.  

If you’d like to explore the findings in more detail, click the link below to access a summary fact sheet outlining the key outcomes.

Fact Sheet - Greenbushes to Bunbury Railway Line Feasibility Study Summary

If you have any questions regarding the outcome of the study, please reach out to the Talison Community Team at gbcontact@talisonlithium.com.