The uptake of electric vehicles and battery-based energy storage systems around the world is driving global demand for lithium-ion batteries. Electric vehicle and battery manufacturers are securing sources of minerals, materials, and components to meet this demand, representing an opportunity for WA.
WA has large reserves of minerals used in the manufacture of rechargeable batteries, including large quantities of lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and alumina. It also produces non-battery minerals used in the manufacture of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, including rare earth elements that are necessary for the production of electric motors.
For more information on our battery minerals potential, refer to the quarterly Western Australia's Battery Minerals Profile.
The Future Battery Industry Strategy aims to grow WA's future battery industry and transform it into a significant source of economic development, diversification, jobs and skills. The strategy provides a framework with consistent, clear and coordinated actions to ensure the WA Government is leading the nation's growth in the uptake of opportunities across the global battery value chain.
Western Australia's competitive advantages
Show moreSome of the largest reserves in the world for all the battery minerals used in the manufacturing of rechargeable batteries, such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminium and vanadium. WA also produces non-battery minerals used in the manufacturing of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, such as rare earth elements that are necessary for the production of electric motors.
Industry-leading value-adding expertise. WA is transforming a growing share of its battery minerals into higher-value products. We have a strong track record and expertise in processing and manufacturing activities for the mining, processing and building industries. We can build on WA's industrial base to attract investment into diversifying mineral production and increasing the scale of domestic processing and manufacturing activities.
Best practice environmental and ethical standards. WA is well placed to respond to consumers’ sustainability concerns, which have led electric vehicle and battery manufacturers to pay increasing attention to environmental and ethical considerations in their supply chains. The comprehensive, transparent and well-practised project approval system guarantees strong environmental and social standards, which sets WA apart from its competitors.
World-class industrial and export infrastructure. WA offers project-ready strategic industrial areas that can facilitate the co-location of battery-related projects and the creation of industry-driven industrial hubs. Proximity to export infrastructure, suppliers, pools of skilled workers and research centres strengthen the attractiveness of these hubs.
Globally recognised expertise and research capacity in mining and mineral processing. WA's mining industry is a world leader in the development and adoption of innovative technologies and cooperates closely with universities and both the state and federal government. The Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre is being established in Perth, acknowledging Western Australia as a global leader in the production and export of battery materials, technologies and expertise. The centre will provide industry-led research capability to grow Australia’s competitiveness and contribution to the battery value chain.
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