Sydney-based Minerals Corporation Ltd said there is a “95 per cent probability” that it will proceed with a $100 million kaolin project near Northam, which will create about 100 permanent jobs. Chief executive Vic Alexander was speaking this week after the State Government agreed to spend $325,000 upgrading power lines to the Avon Industrial Park, east of Northam. Premier Alan Carpenter said “this money will support the establishment of a world-class kaolin processing plant”. Wheatbelt minister Kim Chance said the expanded electricity supply would give the industrial park some extra capacity beyond the kaolin project. Avon was one of four short-listed sites for a hazardous waste precinct in the south-west, and industry sources believe it is likely to be selected as the preferred site following a community consultation process. Meanwhile, Minerals Corp chief executive Vic Alexander said the company’s clay deposits, near Meckering, were high quality and ideal for producing paper. He said the company would shortly be commissioning its pilot plant, which would enable paper mills to conduct high volume production trials. Mineral Corp would then seek to lock-in customers and proceed with engineering design and feasibility studies.