Premier Carmen Lawrence today announced the go-ahead for the $13 million first stage of a new world-class chemistry centre complex in Bentley.
Dr Lawrence said work on stage one - a mineral research centre - would begin next month on a site adjacent to Curtin University and would provide jobs for about 100 workers.
The first stage of the $65 million complex would be built by Fletcher Construction Australia Limited and was due for completion in April 1994.
The Premier said the new research centre would be a test facility for new or improved mineral processes and was essential for the State's mining industry to maintain its competitive edge.
The centre would bring together the:
· mineral processing laboratory of the Chemistry Centre (WA), part of the Department of Minerals and Energy;
· Division of Mineral Products of the CSIRO; and
· School of Chemical Engineering, Curtin University.
"The combination of these three resources on the one site, with their various skills, expertise and equipment will give Western Australia a world class mineral research facility," Dr Lawrence said.
"The mining industry plays a central role in Western Australia's economy, and the work of the research facility will complement and enhance that role.
"The total value of mineral and petroleum production in Western Australia for 1991-92 was more than $12 billion and even a small increase in production through improved extraction or processing methods will benefit the whole State, both through exports and royalties."
Dr Lawrence said the new mineral research centre would also be the catalyst for the transfer of some facilities from the existing State chemistry centre in East Perth.
"The chemistry centre provides comprehensive and diverse chemical and metallurgical testing and consultancy services to Government agencies, industry and the public," she said.
"The East Perth facility has been in operation since the 1940s and the Government has recognised for some time that up-to-date premises were needed for the high-tech laboratory work carried out there."
Funding for stage one of the new complex included $11 million from the State and $2 million from Curtin University.
