Future Battery Industry taskforce members named to drive industry

  • McGowan Government announces members of Future Battery Industry taskforce
  • Government looking to attract global cathode active materials manufacturer to WA
  • Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston today revealed the members of the Future Battery Industry Strategy’s Ministerial taskforce.

    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.

    Western Australia has all the minerals required to make lithium-ion batteries, which are predominantly used in electric vehicles, mobile phones, laptops and cameras.

    The McGowan Government’s Future Battery Industry Strategy has also been recharged to ensure WA’s capabilities are identified in the battery and critical minerals supply chain space.

    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.

    Additionally, the WA Government is 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.

    For more information, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/western-australias-future-battery-industry-strategy

    As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:

    “I’m excited to announce the members of the Future Battery Industry Ministerial Taskforce, who will actively explore global opportunities to grow our State’s critical minerals industry.

    “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.

    “The updated Future Battery Industry Strategy will cement WA as a premier provider of minerals and materials, and a leader in technological expertise.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.