Prime Minister backs Perdaman for WA's first new oil refinery in six decades

At a press conference on the Burrup Peninsula, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed that Perdaman, an Indian-owned conglomerate headquartered in Perth, will spearhead a $4 million pre-feasibility study for Australia’s first new oil refinery in more than six decades. The study will explore the logistics of constructing the facility along Western Australia’s coastline, complementing the company’s ongoing Project Ceres urea plant, which is set to become one of the world’s largest upon its 2025 opening.

The announcement has reignited debate over the company’s handling of Indigenous heritage, as several rock-art sites were moved or blocked despite opposition from custodians such as Samantha Walker and Raelene Cooper. Perdaman’s chair Vikas Rambal asserted that the firm has complied with all Commonwealth and state consultation requirements, though critics note the land was already zoned for industrial use. The proposed refinery, projected to cost around $15 billion, is projected to generate 2,500 construction jobs and 200 permanent positions, and is tied to broader discussions about the Browse Basin gas project.

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt recently defended Woodside’s continued operation of nearby facilities, acknowledging potential emissions impacts on Murujuga’s heritage. Both the prime minister and Western Australian Premier Roger Cook emphasized Perdaman’s track record, including $475 million in government loans for Project Ceres, as a reason for its selection.