The Western Australian Government has opened its Battery and Critical Minerals Strategy for public consultation.
The WA Government said the 2024–2030 strategy will aim to refocus policy frameworks to support the battery and critical minerals sector while addressing immediate priorities and actions.
It said the strategy has been updated as the size of the sector’s opportunities are greater than originally anticipated.
“In Australia, a diversified battery industry, comprising mining, processing, manufacturing and recycling industries, is forecast to contribute $16.9 billion in gross value added and 61,400 jobs to the national economy by 2030. This is more than twice the value estimated in 2021,” the paper said.
The Battery and Critical Minerals Strategy will build upon the vision set out in WA’s Future Battery Industry Strategy that was introduced in early 2019.
“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,” WA Energy Minister Bill Johnston said.
“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.”
The strategy will look at the opportunities and challenges associated with WA’s battery and critical minerals sector and reflect on the lessons learnt from previous industry consultation and research in order to solve these challenges.
“Hearing from the industry is critical to ensuring we have the right strategy in place to continue to grow into the future,” Johnston said.
