Western Australia

A Global Battery
and Critical Minerals Hub
JUNE 2022
Minister’s foreword
Western Australia is primed to play a
central role in decarbonising the world’s
economies; as a reliable, ethical and cost-
effective supplier of battery and critical
minerals and clean energy products.
With a rich endowment of battery and
critical minerals, including some of the
most significant mineral deposits in the
world, the state has established itself as a
leading supplier of lithium, nickel, cobalt,
manganese and rare earths to a host of » Mining giant, BHP Nickel West
international partners. These minerals commenced operations at its battery-
are essential to a range of clean energy grade nickel sulphate plant in Kwinana,
technologies, such as rechargeable batteries, Western Australia, in 2021.
electric vehicles and wind turbines. » Major investments by Lynas Rare Earths and
Since the middle of the last decade, Iluka Resources are set to establish our state
Western Australia has welcomed over $9 as one of the few jurisdictions in the world to
billion of investment across the sector, offer processed rare earths outside of China.
including the establishment of globally-
These projects are a testament to the
significant mineral processing facilities.
innovative and technical capability present
» Three of the world’s largest lithium in our state and provide a strong foundation
producers—Tianqi Lithium (China), for further industry development.
Albemarle (United States) and SQM (Chile)—
Western Australia’s Future Battery and Critical
have partnered with Australian companies
Minerals Industries Strategy, launched in
IGO, Mineral Resources and Wesfarmers
2019, outlines the WA Government’s vision
to build and operate battery-grade lithium
to grow the state’s participation in global
hydroxide facilities in Western Australia,
battery and critical mineral supply chains,
with Tianqi commencing commercial
with the primary goal of increasing domestic
production at its Kwinana plant in 2022.
value-add manufacturing. To bring this to
fruition, the WA Government is seeking to
attract new investment and establish strategic
Acknowledgement of Country partnerships with key international partners.

The Western Australian Government There are many opportunities to be harnessed

acknowledges the Traditional Custodians across Western Australia’s battery and
throughout Western Australia and their critical minerals industries and I invite
continuing connection to the land, waters and you to look to our state when considering
community. We pay our respects to all your next investment destination.
members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait I look forward to welcoming you and
Islander communities and their cultures, and your business to Western Australia.
to Elders past, present, and emerging.
Hon Bill Johnston MLA
Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Energy

2 — Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Hub

Introduction Battery value chain
Upstream:

Critical minerals are vital to the well-being of Mining Raw

Materials
the world’s economies, however, geological
scarcity, geopolitical issues, trade policy
and a range of other factors has increased Midstream:
the intensity in which countries are looking
to secure these valuable commodities. Refining
Critical minerals are fundamental to the world’s
clean energy transition. The componentry of
Active
electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels,
Materials
electrolysers, fuel cells and rechargeable
batteries all require critical minerals.
Downstream:
Electric Vehicles Cell
Lithium Manufacturing
Nickel
Manganese
Cobalt
Graphite Battery Pack Assembly
Rare earth elements

Renewable Energy Integration Service and

Nickel Maintenance
Manganese
Chromium
Cobalt Re-use
Silicon and Recycling
Gallium
Germanium
Rare earth elements

Energy storage Critical minerals also have a range of

Nickel
medical, defence, telecommunication
Cobalt and aerospace applications.
High Purity Alumina
Graphite The International Energy Agency has forecast
Lithium that electric vehicles and energy storage
Manganese
Vanadium systems alone will drive a 30-fold increase
in critical mineral demand over the next 20
Electronics years. These two industries will account for
Antimony about half of all mineral demand growth in that
Beryllium period. Forecast growth in renewable energy
Germanium
Lithium projects (wind, solar and hydrogen) will see
Niobium a further uplift in critical mineral demand.
Indium
Rare earth elements Western Australia is uniquely positioned
High Purity Alumina
Platinum group elements to meet these global needs and is
Scandium establishing itself as a destination of
Silicon choice for investment across the battery
Tantalum
Tungsten and critical minerals value chains.

Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Industry Hub — 3

Welcome to Western Australia
A prosperous, robust and In 2021, Western Australia achieved

growing economy record mineral sales of $191 billion.

Western Australia has enjoyed decades of A reliable partner

strong economic growth thanks to a booming
resources and export industry. Economic Western Australia is a proven investment
growth has averaged 4.1% per annum over the partner for those seeking to diversify
past two decades, which is higher than almost and de-risk their supply chains. Western
all OECD countries over the same period. Australia is a reliable place to invest and has
a long history of major mining and mineral
Western Australia is one of the few processing successes. The state offers
jurisdictions to maintain strong economic investors a stable investment environment,
growth throughout the COVID-19 robust and transparent regulatory approvals
pandemic, largely due to the uninterrupted system, access to export markets and
operations of the state’s resources sector. low barriers to international trade.

$361.8bn 63%
Western Australia’s Exports accounted for 63%
gross state product (GSP) of Western Australia’s GSP
in 2020-21

2.6% 47%
Western Australia’s rise in Mining accounted for 47%
real GSP in 2021-21 ($169.6 billion) of Western
Australia’s GSP in 2020-21

Manufacturing
Made the largest contribution
to Western Australia’s real
GSP growth, as industry $136.4 billion
increased production of of major resources projects are in
minerals and chemical the pipeline (as at March 2022)
products and machinery and
transport equipment.

4 — Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Hub

Connected to the world
Western Australia shares a time zone with
around one quarter of the world’s population
and is strategically located in close proximity
to key Asian markets. The Western Australia
Government’s network of global investment
and trade offices provide support and
information for investors and buyers worldwide.

Naturally beautiful
and liveable
With a temperate climate and a wealth of
natural, cultural and tourism destinations to
enjoy, Western Australia offers one of the
best lifestyles globally. Its capital city, Perth, is
consistently ranked as one of the most liveable
cities in the world. Home to a culturally diverse
population, the nation’s most affordable
housing market and world-class health care,
education and infrastructure, there’s no
better time to be welcomed to the state.

London

Seoul
Tokyo
Shanghai
Kobe
Dubai Mumbai
Hanoi

Singapore
Jakarta

Perth
TIME ZONE

The Western Australian Government

SAME

operates 11 international investment

and trade offices across 5 regions

Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Industry Hub — 5

Why invest in Western Australia’s battery
and critical minerals industries?
Abundant and diverse Exploration incentives for
resources future discoveries
Western Australia is a major supplier of critical Western Australia is highly prospective
minerals. The state accounts for around half of for further critical minerals discoveries.
global lithium production and is a major exporter
Companies can tap into government-
of nickel, cobalt, manganese and rare earths.
funded incentives to de-risk exploration
Underpinning this supply is an outstanding and gain pre-competitive data to
mineral endowment. Our vast state—about support investment decisions.
10 times the size of the UK—is blessed with
The WA Government has supported
some of the world’s largest deposits of critical
investment in mining exploration through its
minerals, with further discoveries anticipated
Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) since 2009.
following a recent boom in exploration activity.
The EIS is administered by the Geological Survey
Western Australia is home to a diverse range of
of Western Australia and aims to stimulate
battery and critical minerals including nearly all of
private sector resource exploration through
the minerals on Australia’s critical minerals list.
regional geoscience data acquisition programs
This rich mineral endowment is driving and co-funding drilling. The EIS collaborates with
the state’s emergence as a global and supports Geoscience Australia’s $225 million
battery and critical mineral hub. Exploring for the Future Program and the national
$218 million Mineral Exploration Cooperative
Western Australia’s battery and Research Centre; a joint venture between
critical minerals production 2021 industry, government and research organisations
3 GLOBAL RANKING to explore for deposits beneath cover.
Li 55,000 tonnes 1 The precompetitive data funded by the EIS is
Lithium $2.6 billion freely available at www.dmp.wa.gov.au and can
27 help exploration companies identify drilling
Co 5,300 tonnes 3 targets prospective for critical minerals.
Cobalt $380 million
RARE
EARTHS 28,000 tonnes 4 Western Australia’s lithium
$569 million producers are some of the
28 lowest cost producers in the
Ni 150,000 tonnes 5 world. Western Australia
Nickel $3.7 billion produces lithium at less than
25
half the cost of Chile, the
Mn 523,000 tonnes 8
world’s second largest producer,
Manganese $303 million
29
and at around a quarter of
Cu Copper
149,000 tonnes
$1.8 billion
the cost of US production.

6 — Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Hub

Western Australia’s battery
and critical minerals Wyndham
Kununurra
Cockatoo Island
Mine (operating or under development) Koolan Island
Speewah HPA Ti V
Deposit (scoping, pre-feasibility or feasibility)
Deposit (with resources)
Derby
Graphite Town
Savannah
McIntosh
Lithium (Li) Highway / major road Broome
Fitzroy Halls Creek
High-purity alumina (HPA) Port Authority ports Crossing
Brockman
Manganese (Mn)
Nickel (Ni) 200 km Browns Range (Pilot)
Nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co) Cummins Range
Rare earth elements (REE)
Port Hedland
Vanadium (V)

Varanus Island Balla Balla

Dampier Sherlock Bay
Pilgangoora
Marble Bar
Wodgina Woodie Woodie
Karratha
Exmouth Ashburton

Flanagan Bore

Newman

Yangibana
Butcherbird
Carnarvon

Wingellina
West Musgrave
Meekatharra Wiluna Fisher East
Gabanintha
Australian Vanadium Mt Keith
Barrambie Kathleen Valley
Duketon
Odysseus Leinster
Mt Magnet
Windimurra
Laverton
Youanmi NiWest
Geraldton Leonora Mt Weld
Murrin Murrin

Goongarrie
Goongarrie
Black Swan
Cadoux Kalgoorlie–Boulder
Coolgardie
Southern Cross
Mt Marion Bald Hill
Silver Knight
Perth Cassini
Meckering
Mt Thirsty
Nova Eucla
Fremantle Mt Holland Norseman
Forrestania Medcalf

Bunbury Ravensthorpe
Mt Cattlin Munglinup
Greenbushes Springdale Esperance

Albany

Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Industry Hub — 7

Established midstream set to be a key constraint for battery and
electric vehicle manufacturers, given
with growth potential forecast supply shortages and supply chain
Western Australia hosts a multi-billion dollar constraints. A Western Australian-based
critical minerals processing industry. This midstream project provides an alternative,
includes global-scale investments in battery- low-cost route to market for local miners and
grade lithium hydroxide and nickel sulphate explorers, providing a strategic advantage to
plants, which provide essential inputs for the midstream operators located in the state.
manufacturing of rechargeable batteries,
and rare earth processing facilities, which
are set to make Western Australia one of the
few jurisdictions outside of China offering $1.6 billion
export quantities of processed rare earths. In Australian Government support
There are a range of other midstream has been committed to Western
mineral processing activities planned in Australian battery and critical minerals
Western Australia, including the production projects in 2021-22.
of battery-grade vanadium, graphite, high
purity alumina, manganese sulphate, cobalt
sulphate and precursor cathode active
materials, with significant funding already $1.25 billion
committed to many of these ventures. Export Finance Australia loan to Iluka
This influx of investment has helped Resources to develop the nation’s first
establish robust midstream capabilities integrated rare earth refinery in Eneabba.
in the state and positions Western
Australia to host further value-adding
industries, including the manufacturing $140 million
of battery active materials. Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility
loan for Hastings Technology Metals’
There are strategic and economic benefits rare earths project in the Pilbara.
of locating midstream operations in
Western Australian, including:
» increased access to raw material supply $119.6 million
Modern Manufacturing Initiative grant
» lower transportation costs and reduced for Pure Battery Technologies’ Western
carbon emissions through co-location Australian P-CAM hub in Kalgoorlie.
of mining and processing operations

» improved waste management practices,

including the disposal of naturally
occurring radioactive materials
$56 million
Export Finance Australia loan for Ecograf’s
associated with the mining and battery anode material facility in Kwinana.
processing of some critical minerals

» diversification of midstream supply.

An investment in Western Australia’s

$49 million
Modern Manufacturing Initiative grant for
midstream is an investment in long-term
Australian Vanadium’s mine and processing
supply security. Raw material supply is
plant in the Mid West.

8 — Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Hub

The Western Australian and Australian
Governments are offering significant financial $13.2 million P-CAM fund
support to help unlock new investment in
mineral processing and manufacturing, The WA Government has committed
including a range of debt and grant facilities. $13.2 million to facilitate global investment
Over $1.6 billion in Australian Government in precursor cathode manufacturing
support has been committed in 2021-22 (P-CAM) in Western Australia and
alone to help establish midstream critical has set aside highly sought-after
mineral projects in Western Australia, heavy industrial land in Kwinana
with further funding available. for the project.

Western Australia’s
key midstream investments

Operating/commited
Planned – with government
funding in place
Rare earths
Hastings Technology Metals
Lithium
Production capacity:
Tianqi Lithium Australia 3,400 tpa NdPr^
Production capacity: Capex: $650 million
48,000 tpa of lithium hydroxide
Capex: $700 million

Lithium
Covalent Lithium
Vanadium
Production capacity:
45,000 tpa of lithium hydroxide Australian Vanadium
Capex: $1.9 billion* Production capacity:
11,200 tpa of vanadium Rare earths
Capex: $600 million
Nickel Lynas Rare Earths
Production capacity:
BHP Nickel West 10,500 tpa NdPr ^
Production capacity: Capex: $500 million^^
100,000 tpa of nickel sulphate Rare earths
Capex: $60 million Iluka Resources
Production capacity: P-CAM
17,500 tpa of rare earth oxides Pure Battery Technologies
Graphite Capex: $1.2 billion Production capacity:
Ecograf 50,000 tpa precursor cathode
Production capacity: active material (P-CAM)
20,000 tpa of spherical graphite Capex: $460 million
Lithium
Capex: $100 million
Albemarle Lithium
Production capacity:
50,000 tpa of lithium hydroxide**
tpa = tonnes per annum Capex: $1 billion
*inclusive of mine and concentrator
** 100,000 tpa once fully operational
^ Neodymium and Praseodymium, produced as a rare earth carbonate
^^ Figure inclusive of Malaysian plant upgrades
Production capacity and capex figures are provided as estimates only. Actual production and costs may vary

Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Industry Hub — 9

Downstream opportunities of affordable renewable energy, sovereign
stability and a highly skilled and productive
The WA Government is working with workforce are key enablers to manufacturing
industry and research institutions to affordable, low-carbon products.
unlock downstream manufacturing
opportunities in the state. This includes Western Australia’s growing battery market
the manufacturing of battery cells, battery offers a significant investment opportunity
packs and equipment, and the establishment for manufacturers seeking to co-locate with
of reuse and recycling facilities for end-users, and the state’s close proximity
battery and critical mineral products. to Asian markets provides an opportunity
to export locally-produced battery cells
Western Australia is well-placed to and products to nearby growth markets.
manufacture battery products locally,
particularly as automation continues to Western Australia’s vast land mass provides
shape the industry. The state’s availability significant off-grid energy storage opportunities
in remote communities and industries. Australia
has a higher uptake of small-scale and grid-
The Kalbarri microgrid in scale ESS than OECD peers and is forecast to
comprise 7% of global installations by 2030,
Western Australia, is one of the
making it the third largest market globally.
largest of its kind in Australia. Western Australia’s resources industry
is also set to be a significant consumer of
The microgrid has the capacity battery products as the industry moves to
to supply 5MW powered by decarbonise its operations. This includes the
an entirely renewable energy use of batteries in stationary power systems,
solution comprised of solar, locomotives, trucks and mining equipment.
wind and battery storage.

Geraldton feeder
Existing 33kv rural feeder
line from Geraldton

Solar energy
Solar energy collected
from residential PV’s

Kalbarri windfarm Battery storage

Located at the windfarm site,
Existing energy source
providing 2MWh of energy
located 20km to the south

10 — Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Hub

Environmental, social
and governance (ESG)
credentials
Western Australia’s robust and transparent
regulatory frameworks ensure projects in
the state meet the highest ESG standards. BHP is supplying Tesla with nickel
Cultural heritage and environmental from its Nickel West operation in
protection, equality and workplace safety Western Australia, one of the most
are values underpinning Western Australia’s sustainable and lowest carbon emission
resources and manufacturing sectors.
nickel producers in the world.
WA’s government and industries are world
leading in their commitment to human
rights promotion, including the introduction
of policies dealing with prominent issues
including modern slavery and gender equality. The WA Government is
Western Australia’s trademark ESG investing $120 million to
standard allows companies to enhance streamline the state’s approvals
the marketability of their products system to accelerate project
and gain better access to capital approvals, while ensuring
markets, which are important factors
to long-term commercial success.
companies continue to
meet their environmental,
The increasing use of ESG and green bonds cultural heritage, safety and
by investment funds helps to illustrate the
growing importance of maintaining a high
social responsibilities.
ESG standard. Over $1.6 trillion worth of
sustainability bonds were issued globally in
2021; more than double from the previous year.
Western Australia’s commitment to a clean Aboriginal empowerment
energy future further bolsters the state’s
The WA Government has
position as a high ESG jurisdiction. The
committed $14.6 million to ensure
Western Australian Climate Policy outlines
developments in Western Australia’s
the WA Government’s plan for a climate
resources industry deliver improved
resilient community and a prosperous low
outcomes for Aboriginal people.
carbon future, with a target of net zero by
2050. To support this commitment, the WA The Department of Mines, Industry
Government is working with all sectors of the Regulation and Safety is establishing
economy to reduce carbon emissions and an Aboriginal Empowerment Unit to
is transitioning the state’s energy networks develop and implement their Aboriginal
to allow for full renewable penetration. Empowerment Initiative program.
Western Australia’s resources sector is This program will help ensure Western
also setting clear decarbonisation goals, Australia resources industry is developed
with the majority of Western Australia’s in a culturally respectful way and improve
mining and energy companies targeting information access for Aboriginal people
net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. related to activities on their lands.

Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Industry Hub — 11

Testimonial

Jessica Farrell
Asset President, BHP Nickel West
BHP is pivoting towards ‘future-facing
commodities’ - those commodities such
as nickel and copper that are essential
as the world decarbonises. Our Nickel
West operations in Western Australia
are a big part of this transition.
One of the mega-trends expected to
shape our long run operating environment
is the electrification of transport. Every
electric car battery requires 40kg of
nickel and BHP now sells 90% of our nickel sulphate per year when fully operational
nickel to the global battery market. We – enough to make 700,000 electric vehicle
expect demand for nickel in batteries will batteries each year. Our investment to produce
increase by 500% in the next decade. high purity nickel sulphate, along with nickel
powder and briquettes, enhances Western
BHP’s nickel sulphate plant is an Australian- Australia’s position as a supplier of choice for
first, and is located south of Perth in Western the growing global electric battery market.
Australia. It will produce over 100,000 tonnes of
We believe Western Australia is uniquely
placed to support the world’s transition to
electric cars because of our highly regarded
BHP’s nickel sulphate plant
ethical and sustainable footprint. Our key
markets are increasing their demand for
clean nickel products and a clean supply
chain and there is an increasingly vocal call
by our customers to ensure that vehicle
supply chains are addressing important
social issues such as carbon footprint,
water stewardship and social value.
Companies are being recognised for their
efforts to address these issues, and Western
Australia is also blessed with a stable,
reliable geopolitical environment, making
long term contracts and investments safe
for downstream supply chain customers.
The state of Western Australia has been
supportive of developing a battery materials
industry through various partnerships and
project funding, including support for the
Future Battery Industries CRC which BHP
Nickel West is a founding member of.

12 — Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Hub

Highly skilled and Average wages for selected occupations,
Australia and global peers
adaptable workforce
Western Australia has a highly-skilled Lower-skill (US$/hr, 2019)
(Machinery/plant operators)
and experienced workforce that
21.27
has developed alongside the state’s
18.58 18.60
world-leading resource sector. 17.26

For decades, Western Australian workers and

businesses have successfully built and operated 7.33
complex export projects across highly competitive 5.46
global supply chains including iron ore, natural
China Poland Japan Australia South Germany
gas, chemicals, critical minerals and defence. Korea

Western Australia’s resources sector employs Higher-skill (US$/hr, 2019)

over 150,000 workers and offers global expertise (Chemical, electrical & systems engineers)
in mining, mineral processing and mining
31.74
equipment, technology and services (METS). 29.17 29.38
24.65
Western Australia has well established training
institutions, which provide many of the skills
and knowledge required to support the 11.86
8.42
development of the state’s battery and critical
mineral industries. Nonetheless, the WA China Poland Japan Australia South Germany
Government remains focused on ensuring our Korea
local workforce has the skills necessary to meet Source: Accenture’s Future Charge report 2021
the industry’s future needs. The WA
Government has invested more than $280
million to upskill and reskill the workforce,
including the development of education and
training packages specific to the battery Australia has comparable
industry, such as the design and installation of labour costs to OECD peers,
on-grid and off-grid battery storage systems. despite Australian workers
enjoying some of the highest
labour standards in the world.

Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Industry Hub — 13

Testimonial

Tom O’leary
Managing Director & CEO, Iluka Resources
Since Iluka’s antecedents began operations in
Western Australia in the 1950s, we have evolved
to become an international critical minerals
company, with WA serving as the mineral
processing hub of our Australian operations.
In April 2022, Iluka announced the development
of Australia’s first fully integrated rare earths
refinery at Eneabba in WA’s Mid West.
This will be a multi-generational asset for
the downstream processing of Australia’s Beyond the production of rare earth
rare earth resources, putting Iluka at oxides, the refinery also provides a
the forefront of the global transition to foundation for undertaking potential
an electrified, low carbon economy. further steps along the value chain in
Rare earths are among the key building blocks future, such as rare earth metallisation.
of this transition; and the Eneabba refinery will Iluka has been undertaking value additive
produce the downstream mineral products mineral processing in WA since the 1970s.
that are critical inputs across a range of There are of course risks associated with
industries and technologies including electric downstream processing and we have sought
vehicles, sustainable energy, advanced to de-risk the Eneabba refinery project as
electronics, medical and defence applications. much as possible. This includes our partnership
with the Australian Government, which is
providing a $1.25 billion non-recourse loan
to construct and commission the refinery.
From a technical perspective, we have
engaged Carester, the world’s preeminent
source of rare earths refining expertise, as
a member of our project owners’ team.
The quality of the business outcomes we have
achieved in WA reflects the strength of our
relationships with a range of stakeholders.
This includes the WA Government, with
whom we have longstanding links by
virtue of more than 70 years of operations
in the state. In recent times, we have
seen strong support from ministers and
senior officials for our diversification into
downstream rare earths processing.
We are very grateful for this support and it
reinforces our central focus on delivering
the Eneabba refinery for our shareholders
and stakeholders more broadly.

14 — Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Hub

Research and innovation FBICRC P-CAM
Western Australia has globally-recognised pilot project
research capabilities in the areas of The FBICRC aims to demonstrate the
mining and mineral processing. commercial and technical viability of
The WA Government recognises the powerful manufacturing precursor cathode active
role that research plays in ensuring Western materials in Australia. A pilot plant is being
Australian exports remain globally competitive. commissioned in 2022 at Curtin University’s
The WA Government directly supports a Perth campus. It’s designed to produce
portfolio of research and innovation projects nickel-cobalt-manganese precursor powder
valued at over $75 million across the mining using minerals sourced from Western
value chain including exploration, mineral Australia. This project is a significant
processing and establishing new products body of work that will help demonstrate
and markets through the Minerals Research Western Australia’s capabilities in battery
Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA). active material manufacturing and de-risk
investment in a commercial-scale facility.
Western Australia’s Curtin University — which
is ranked second in the world for mineral and “This facility is instrumental to the
mining engineering, has partnered with industry creation of a battery materials industry
on a $240 million research collaboration that in Australia, to perform continuous
aims to de-risk the uptake of new technologies development and pilot production
and support the commercialisation of critical of active materials and demonstrate
mineral projects. A cornerstone of the research Australia’s capability to produce on-spec
partnership will be the construction of pilot battery materials for this rapidly growing
and demonstration-scale testing facilities in industry.” Curtin University Deputy Vice
Western Australia, helping to further grow the Chancellor, Research, Chris Moran.
state’s research infrastructure and expertise.
Western Australia also proudly hosts the nation’s
Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research
Centre (FBICRC), a $127 million research
collaboration between industry, government
and Australia’s leading universities and research
institutions. The FBICRC aims to enhance the
competitiveness of Australia’s battery industry,
through the delivery of industry-directed
research projects, targeting all segments of the
battery value chain. Companies from around
the world have partnered with the initiative,
including BHP and BASF, who are among the
largest mining and chemical manufacturing
companies (respectively) in the world.

Western Australia hosts the

University of Western Australia, a
top 100 world university globally
(QS - Quacquarelli Symonds -
World University Ranking 2022)

Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Industry Hub — 15

Energy resources the world’s third largest producer of liquefied
natural gas (LNG). Under the WA Government’s
Western Australia has an abundance of affordable, domestic gas policy, LNG exporters that
low-emissions energy sources to power the operate in the state must also make gas
state’s resource and manufacturing industries. available in the local market. This longstanding
Western Australia has exceptional wind and solar policy has helped power the state’s resources
resources, a large land mass and low population sector and provides optionality to companies
density, which provides a natural advantage for seeking a diverse low emission energy mix.
companies seeking to decarbonise their
operations. The north of the state offers the Access to strategic
highest solar irradiance per square kilometre in
the world, while the mid-west and southern
industrial land
regions of the state have some of the country’s Western Australia offers world-class export
most productive wind resources. infrastructure and serviced industrial land to
support investment across the battery and
The state’s major power system, the South West
critical mineral value chain. This includes 18
Interconnected System, is on a clear trajectory
ports, state-wide road, rail and energy networks,
towards being able to meet up to 100% of
and heavy and general industrial precincts.
demand from renewable energy sources. On
average, renewables currently account for At the centre of Western Australia’s industrial
around a third of electricity generated in the ecosystem are 12 dedicated Strategic Industrial
SWIS, through utility-scale wind and solar Areas (SIAs). These industrial hubs provide
projects and a high penetration of residential connections to existing export networks,
rooftop solar; over one in three households have services, and local skilled workforces. Investors
rooftop solar in the state. This is set to grow as that choose to locate in an SIA can benefit from
more renewable energy projects come on line. lower establishment costs, as well as industrial
Renewable energy is also being used to power synergies associated with co-locating with other
many of Western Australia’s off-grid mining and critical mineral and chemical manufacturers.
mineral processing operations. The WA Government is committed to
Western Australia offers investors industrial- working with prospective proponents to
scale volumes of cost competitive natural gas, negotiate land allocation and attractive
an important transition fuel towards a lease offerings, with investment in value-add
decarbonised economy. Western Australia is manufacturing considered a high priority.

Western Trade Coast

– a Global Advanced
Industries Hub
The Western Trade Coast is a world-class
industrial ecosystem covering 3,900 hectares
south of Perth and includes the Australian
Marine Complex, Kwinana Industrial Area,
Rockingham Industry Zone and Latitude 32.
This industrial precinct is home to a range
of strategic industries, including critical
minerals, hydrogen and defence.

16 — Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Hub

 The Pilbara Port Authority
in Western Australia’s north
is the world’s largest bulk
export port authority.

Wyndham

Cockatoo Island Koolan Island

Derby
Western Australia’s Broome
Browse LNG Precinct
infrastructure
Port Hedland
Boodarie
Dampier
Varanus Island Anketell
Burrup
Ashburton
Maitland
Ashburton North

Oakajee
Geraldton

Strategic Industrial Areas

Port Authority ports Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Road
Gas pipelines Mungari
Perth
Fremantle
Kwinana
Kemerton
Bunbury Shotts

Esperance
Mirambeena
Albany

Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Industry Hub — 17

Testimonial

Amanda Lacaze
CEO & MD Lynas Rare Earths
Western Australia offers a number of unique
advantages to doing business, including a
significant critical mineral endowment and
an excellent reputation for safety, innovation
and environmental practice. These provide
a strong foundation for the development of
the Australian critical minerals industry as
a leading supplier to global supply chains.
Lynas Rare Earths is the world’s only significant
producer of separated rare earths outside
of China. The materials we produce are associated upgrades at the Lynas Malaysia
essential to the manufacturing of products plant. This is a foundation project for the Lynas
to reduce air pollution and transition to 2025 growth vision and once operational, mixed
a low carbon economy. We are actively rare earths carbonate will be shipped directly
engaged with governments around the from Kalgoorlie to the Lynas plant in Malaysia
world on the development of sustainable for further processing, or to the proposed US
and resilient critical minerals supply chains Rare Earths Separation Facility. The Kalgoorlie
to meet the growing market demand. plant has been designed to facilitate processing
of third-party rare earths concentrate from
Lynas has a well-developed plan to grow with other Australian projects as they come online.
the market including the development of a new
rare earths processing facility in Kalgoorlie, with Successful and competitive downstream
a project cost of around $500 million including processing requires the development of
industry and resource-specific capabilities
and cost-efficient operations. Lynas is
well positioned with significant inhouse
Intellectual Property with respect to rare
earths processing and a strong focus
on safe, cost-efficient operations.
Lynas has received excellent government
support for our operations in the state’s
Goldfields region, including Lead Agency
Status from the WA Government.
The location where we’re building the
new facility had been identified by the WA
Government and the City of Kalgoorlie-
Boulder as a potential site for critical
minerals processing and the Lynas Rare
Earths Processing Facility in Kalgoorlie-
Boulder can be the first step in developing
a critical minerals hub in the region.

18 — Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Hub

Where to start
The WA Government will make your entry into
Western Australia as seamless as possible.
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science
and Innovation’s Invest and Trade Western
Australia team provides a one-stop shop for
incoming trade and investment enquiries.
At Invest and Trade Western Australia, a
team of business facilitation professionals
will work with you to assess your business
requirements and connect you with relevant
government and industry stakeholders, to
fast track your entry into Western Australia.
Through a network of local and international
offices, the team can help you navigate the
Western Australian investment and trade
ecosystem. Invest and Trade Western
Australia can help you by providing:
» a dedicated point of contact for
your business or project

» introductions to local relevant

suppliers, consultants, organisations,
agencies and industry bodies

» investment ready project support

» assistance with site visits

» a guide to working in Western Australia

- business registration, property, visas,
banking, employment standards and
Australian tax – to accelerate investment

» access to relevant and timely market

intelligence to assist you to develop
your market entry strategy

» advice on business support grants,

funding, incentives and projects.

Contact us
Please contact the Invest and Trade Western
Australia team at [email protected]

Western Australia: A Global Battery and Critical Minerals Industry Hub — 19

 Department of
Jobs, Tourism, Science
and Innovation
GOVERNMENT OF
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation

Level 11, 1 William Street
Perth WA 6000

T: +61 (08) 6277 3000

E: [email protected]
W: www.investandtrade.wa.gov.au

Disclaimer
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The State of Western Australia makes no representation, warranty or claim of any kind (express or implied) about the completeness, accuracy,
reliability or suitability, with respect to the information. The reader is solely responsible for making their own assessment of the information and
should make and rely on their own enquires, research and judgements in making decision affecting their own or any other persons’ interest.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the State of Western Australia, its officers, employees, agents and
representatives, shall in no way be liable, in negligence or howsoever, for any loss, damage, cost or expenses (regardless
of whether the loss is direct, indirect or consequential) caused, sustained or incurred by anyone using or relying on
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