Members of the Future Battery Industry Strategy’s Ministerial Taskforce have been announced.
The taskforce, which includes mining companies, industry bodies and union groups, will actively explore local and global opportunities to grow the State’s critical minerals industry.
Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Bill Johnston said Western Australia had all the minerals required to make lithium-ion batteries, which were predominantly used in electric vehicles, mobile phones, laptops and cameras.
“The Future Battery Industry Strategy has also been recharged to ensure Western Australia’s capabilities are identified in the battery and critical minerals supply chain space,” Mr Johnston said.
“The boosted strategy will harness the opportunities presented by critical minerals and rare earth elements, which are required to manufacture Defence technologies, wind turbines and solar panels, and aeroplane engines and alloys.”
He said that in addition, the Department of Mines and Petroleum was continuing its search to attract a global precursor or cathode active materials (CAM) manufacturer to the State, following a $13.2 million commitment announced in the WA Recovery Plan.
“Cathodes are a core component in the lithium-ion battery value chain,” Mr Johnston said.
“Developing the future battery and critical minerals industry will create jobs and diversify the economy, which is particularly important to support our State’s recovery post-COVID-19.”
He said the updated Future Battery Industry Strategy would cement the State as a premier provider of minerals and materials, and a leader in technological expertise.
The recharged 17-page Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
