- 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.
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As stated by 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.”
