Feb 3 (Reuters) - Lynas Corporation Ltd LYC.AX :
* AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT AWARDS MAJOR PROJECT STATUS TO NEW LYNAS PLANT IN WA
* PLANT IS EXPECTED TO CREATE UP TO 500 JOBS DURING PEAK CONSTRUCTION
* INTENDS TO STAFF PLANT WITH A LOCAL, RESIDENTIAL WORKFORCE
* INTENDS TO CONTINUE ITS ASSOCIATION WITH CURTIN UNIVERSITY AND WA SCHOOL OF MINES IN KALGOORLIE.
* WILL ALSO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADDITIONAL PROCESSING IN KALGOORLIE