Homeowners Demand Buyouts from World’s Largest Lithium Mine

Homeowners near the world’s largest hard-rock lithium mine in Western Australia are urging the mining company to buy their properties or facilitate relocation. Residents of Greenbushes, a small town 240 kilometers south of Perth, face significant challenges due to noise, dust, and regular blasting associated with the mine.

Concerns Over Mining Operations

Owned by Talison Lithium, the Greenbushes mine supplies nearly 20 percent of the global hard-rock lithium demand, pivotal for the energy transition. Over recent years, local residents have reported disruptive blasting activities that have intensified since the mine increased its production capacity in 2019 to 2.8 million tonnes of lithium concentrate annually.

• Key Dates:
• January 11, 2024 – A significant blast hit the town, reaching 124 dBL, exceeding the approved noise limit of 120 dBL.

Resident Experiences

Long-term locals like Trevor Stallard, who has lived in Greenbushes for 39 years and worked at the mine for 15 years, express growing frustration. Stallard describes the relentless noise and dust as unbearable, stating, “We didn’t sign up for this.”

Another resident, Rick Fryer, noted that a blast on January 11 shook the town, causing widespread alarm. “It frightened the daylights out of so many people,” he remarked. The community faces ongoing issues such as disturbed sleep patterns, respiratory problems, and the relentless task of cleaning dust from their homes and vehicles.

Calls for Buyback Schemes

The dissatisfaction among residents has fueled calls for a voluntary home buyback or relocation scheme. Trevor Stallard believes many feel trapped in Greenbushes due to stagnant property values; the median house price stands at $395,000, lower than nearby Balingup’s price of $595,000.

Talison has been urged to adopt a buyback scheme similar to one established in 2021 by Northern Star Resources for residents near Kalgoorlie’s Super Pit. However, the mining company stated that community consultations will play a vital role in finding a solution. A spokesperson said it was too early to determine what might be recommended for local residents.

Community and Environmental Engagement

Talison Lithium, which aims to operate for decades, has recently focused on improving community relations under the leadership of CEO Rob Telford, appointed in late 2024. Telford has committed to making operational changes to better address community concerns.

• Recent Initiatives:
• Introduction of a real-time dust monitoring system.
• Expanded dust suppression efforts and noise reduction measures.
• Rebuilding Stanifer Street, a vital thoroughfare affected by mine traffic.

Despite these efforts, residents like Fryer remain skeptical about the effectiveness of the measures. “It’s very easy to say sorry after you do something,” he said, emphasizing the need for additional action, including a bypass road to alleviate traffic control issues.

The sentiment among homeowners continues to be that as impacts from the lithium mining escalate, the need for a sustainable solution—such as home buyouts or meaningful engagement—has become urgent. As discussions progress, the focus remains on finding a balance between the needs of the mining operation and the well-being of the local community.