Project NeoSmelt

Overview

Project NeoSmelt (the Proposal) is to develop a research and development pilot plant that will combine Direct Reduced Iron technology with Electric Smelting Furnace capability to manufacture lower-emissions iron (relative to a blast furnace) from Pilbara iron ores. The Proposal is targeted to have the capacity to produce approximately 49,000 tonnes of iron per year. 
The Proposal is located on Patterson Road in the Western Trade Coast, approximately 35 kilometres south of Perth. The proposal would include 21.4 hectares (ha) of disturbance within a 30.5 ha development envelope. The proposal is located within the Rockingham Industrial Zone Strategic Environmental Assessment boundary approved under Ministerial Statement 863. The proposal overlaps the boundary of Derived Proposal 5. 

Why your views matter

At this initial stage of the EIA process, comment is simply sought on whether or not the EPA should assess a proposal and, if so, what level of assessment is considered appropriate.

Closes 12 May 2026

Opened 6 May 2026

Areas

  • All of Western Australia

Audiences

  • Public

Interests

  • Seven-day comment on referrals