Western Australia is the most important source of minerals for the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. The State’s reliability of ethical supply, low emissions footprint and efficient practices makes it a growing focus for the automobile original equipment manufacturers, battery manufacturers and chemical processers in Europe.

In 2019, Western Australia produced over half the world’s lithium and is in the top five producers of nickel and cobalt. This market position is underpinned by strong reserve positions, with the State home to over a fifth of the world’s nickel reserves and over fifteen per cent of global lithium and cobalt reserves.

There are also plans to expand on the processing already commenced in Western Australia. The industry is currently focused on producing lithium hydroxide and nickel sulphate in WA, and the State Government is in active discussions with companies to expand into precursor materials and cathodes.

Critical minerals are those whose supply may be at risk due to scarcity, geopolitical issues, trade restrictions or lack of known substitutions. Lists differ, but for the production of batteries, critical minerals will inevitably include lithium, nickel, cobalt and manganese – minerals that are all mined or produced in Western Australia.

WA is home to Australia’s key research and development initiative, the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre. This unique industry, government and research collaboration is putting the State at the forefront of the global battery revolution and building on existing skills and know-how to create new economic opportunities in the sector.

Rare Earth materials are a group of metals that are critical components of high-tech applications ranging from consumer goods to defence. Given their existing use in high-tech equipment Rare Earth materials can be expected to be critical for future applications that don’t exist yet.

Global demand for Rare Earths continues to grow. Demand for magnetic materials using Neodymium- Praseodymium is driven by increased demand for energy efficient technologies, including electric and hybrid vehicles and wind power. Demand for Lanthanum and Cerium materials used in catalytical applications in automotive and other applications is also growing.

Australia is the second largest supplier of rare earths globally and the Government is actively supporting strategic partnerships to grow its position in the market. Australia’s current production is predominately from Lynas Corporation’s Mt Weld mine located in Western Australia.

Western Australia is home to 1,700 METS businesses.

METS businesses are a vital part of the resource sector supply chain, and contributed an estimated $27 billion to the WA economy in 2018-19.

The WA Government and Austmine launched the WA Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) Digital Mining Export Hub in Western Australia in September 2020.

The virtual hub was established to provide services in Port Hedland, Karratha, Newman, Kalgoorlie and Bunbury regions of WA. It will enable the State to build export capacity, knowledge and opportunities between regional, remote and metropolitan small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).