- WA's Battery and Critical Minerals Strategy is
now open for public comment
- Refreshed strategy to build on successes already
achieved by the lucrative industry
- Predictions for growth of Australia's battery
and critical minerals sector have more than doubled in the past two years
The Western Australian Government
is refocusing the State's activities in the rapidly evolving battery and
critical minerals sector with the release of an important consultation paper.
WA has seen rapid growth
of value-adding battery and critical minerals industries since the introduction
of the Battery and Critical Minerals Strategy in 2019.
Since then, nickel
sulphate and lithium hydroxide (key chemicals in lithium-ion batteries)
refineries have been established, as well as two downstream rare earth
processing plants.
A consultation paper
seeking feedback to inform the refreshed strategy is now available. Stakeholder
input will be vital to identify priority actions to support industry
development.
The strategy aims to
further grow WA's battery and critical minerals industries, with an emphasis on
increasing domestic value-adding and manufacturing.
Since the strategy was
last updated in 2020, there have been changes in the international investment
environment, including significant global policy shifts in the critical
minerals and renewables industries.
For more information,
visit: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/battery-and-critical-minerals-strategy-refresh
Comments attributed to Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"Western Australia is a
globally significant battery and critical minerals processing hub and it is important
we do all we can to further capitalise on this incredible opportunity.
"A diversified battery
industry is forecast to contribute nearly $17 billion in gross value added and
over 61,000 jobs to the national economy by 2030. This is more than twice the
value first estimated in 2021.
"Hearing from the
industry is critical to ensuring we have the right strategy in place to
continue to grow into the future."
