Indian-origin entrepreneur Vikas Rambal and his company Perdaman are at the center of a major push to develop a new large-scale refinery in Australia.

The proposed project in Western Australia could become the country’s first new major oil refinery since the 1960s, strengthening fuel security and creating thousands of jobs.

Rambal, who built Perdaman into a major Australian manufacturing group, has previously led large-scale fertiliser and industrial projects, including the company’s major urea and ammonia developments.

The new refinery proposal is being viewed as a significant step towards expanding Australia’s domestic manufacturing and energy capabilities.