Photo by: Bloomberg
PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (Amec) has welcomed the Western Australian government’s decision to invest A$13.2-million to attract a global cathode active materials production facility for lithium-ion batteries.
The funding forms part of the state government’s greater A$92.4-million suite of incentives to activate new industries and create a jobs pipeline.
The cathode active manufacturing initiative includes incentives to offset project costs, such as land lease rates on industrial land to help businesses establish and keep local jobs in Western Australia.
This will strengthen the state's position as a world leader in future battery minerals, materials, technology and expertise in global battery supply chains - and supports the implementation of the Western Australian Future Battery Industry Strategy, said Premier Mark McGowan.
"Boosting local manufacturing to create a pipeline of Western Australian jobs, will help our state become more self-sufficient and rebound from Covid-19 stronger than ever.
"Western Australia is primed to join the supply chain of major industries and sectors like renewable energy, conservation, mining and construction. This package is about giving local businesses confidence to establish themselves, make local products and keep jobs here in Western Australia.
"Boosting our manufacturing industry means more local jobs, more training and more apprenticeship opportunities for Western Australians for generations to come,” the Premier said.
Amec CEO Warren Pearce said that the state’s lithium resources and downstream capacity had the potential to provide long-term job opportunities and revenue generation for the state.
“This commitment capitalises on Western Australia’s position as a world leader in the mining and production of lithium, and the continuing operation of these mines.
“While the lithium industry has recently been hard hit by Covid-19 and a highly volatile market, the future demand growth for lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage is undeniable.
“This incentive supports the shift towards renewable sources of energy and is another important step in the implementation of the state government’s Western Australian Future Battery Industry Strategy,” Pearce said.