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.”

Talison receives DFES 2024 Volunteer Employer Recognition Award

Talison is honoured to have received a 2024 Volunteer Employer Recognition Award (VERA) from DFES. Operating in the South West of Western Australia, we understand the unique challenges that come with working in a regional area particularly when it comes to emergency response.

 As a predominately residential mine, Talison sees itself as part of the community, not separate from it. Many of our team members volunteer with local bushfire brigades and other emergency services, and we support them by allowing the time they need for training and emergency callouts.

“Talison is proud to support the dedicated people within our workforce who volunteer to keep our communities safe,” said Craig Dawson, General Manager – Operations at Talison Lithium.

“Our employees don’t just work here; they live here. They are part of the South West community, and we consider it essential to support their roles as volunteers in emergency services.”

The award nomination came from Kim Perks, an SES volunteer who wished to recognise Talison’s support in allowing him to respond to emergency situations.

 “At the time this award was nominated, I have been supported by Talison and my supervisors to attend three training days and several callouts, one of those callouts was to a cave rescue where 15 kids and two teachers were recovered safely from a cave,” shared Kim.

 “I’d also responded to two separate callouts following the tornado events that impacted Bunbury. The support Talison has given to me to volunteer has greatly benefitted the community.”

 “Our SW/LSW Vertical Rescue team won the SES team state award for that rescue. My supervisors reorganised the roster so I could attend the WAFES convention with my team which I greatly appreciated. It means a lot to have an employer who understands the importance of this work and fully supports our efforts.”

Talison is proud to stand by its employees and support their efforts as volunteers to help keep our communities safe.

Mine Open Day 2024

On October 5, 2024, we proudly welcomed the community to the Greenbushes Lithium Operation for Talison’s annual Open Day. This event provided a glimpse into our operations, showcasing not only the work we do but also the people and communities that support us. Attendees had the opportunity to see firsthand how our efforts at Greenbushes are helping deliver a better future.

The day featured impressive displays from our contractors, including:

  • Macmahon

  • Action Drill & Blast

  • South West Earthworks

  • Freo Cranes

  • Hagstrom Drilling

  • Geographe Civil

  • Personnel Solutions

  • Qube

  • Charles Hull Contracting

  • ISH24

The Talison team organised a variety of engaging and informative departmental displays. The Greenbushes community came together to support the event, by providing food, music, LEGO activities, and resources from local organisations, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.

A key highlight of the day was the announcement of our partnership with Qube to trial a Bulk Electric Haulage Vehicle (BEHV) along our haulage route from Greenbushes to the Port of Bunbury.

The upcoming trial will feature a fully electric prime mover with a double trailing set, which, once in operation, will be the largest on-road electric truck combination in the world. The trial will determine the BEHV's viability on Talison’s haulage routes by evaluating:

  • truck range under load;

  • cycle times and battery recharging process;

  • economic feasibility; and

  • community impact/benefits.

In the lead-up to the trial, Talison and Qube partnered to engage local students in a sustainability-themed competition. Open to students 12 years and under from the wider Bunbury and Warren Blackwood regional areas, the competition invited young artists to design a trailer wrap for the BEHV, answering the question: What does a greener future look like to me?

Congratulations to Willa, Mike, and Blayne for taking first, second, and third places. We look forward to the big reveal in the coming months.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this day a success. We can’t wait to see you next year!

Talison Lithium Welcomes New CEO, Rob Telford

Talison Lithium is pleased to welcome Rob Telford as its new CEO, effective today. With more than 30 years’ experience in the resources sector and specialised expertise in operational excellence and strategic leadership, Rob is well-positioned to guide Talison into its next phase of growth.

We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to former CEO, Lorry Mignacca, who left the company in July after 33 years of dedicated service, including 11 years as CEO. Throughout Lorry’s leadership, Talison significantly expanded its operations in line with the rapid growth in global demand for lithium, a critical mineral required for the transition to cleaner energy.

As the lithium industry continues to evolve, the role of Greenbushes in the global supply chain has never been more important. Our operations must not only expand but also remain agile, and ready to adapt to changing conditions. Under Rob’s leadership, Talison will be well-placed to navigate the challenges ahead and seize emerging opportunities.

Known for leading with humility and care, Rob’s approach aligns closely with Talison’s values. Over the coming months, Rob will spend significant time onsite at Greenbushes, engaging with the workforce, surrounding communities, and key stakeholders to gain a thorough understanding of all aspects of Talison’s operations, which will help guide company’s future direction.

Talison warmly welcomes Rob and looks forward to working with him in his new position.