PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian government has launched a new prospectus to promote the region’s battery and critical mineral industries to investors around the world.

The prospectus outlines how Western Australia is establishing itself as a destination of choice for investment across the battery and critical minerals value chains.

The state is already a leading supplier of battery and critical minerals, and accounts for half of global lithium production and is a major exporter of nickel, cobalt, manganese and rare earths.

Major downstream processing projects are also underway with three of the world's largest lithium producers, Tianqi Lithium, Albemarle and SQM, partnering with Australian companies Independence Group, Mineral Resources and Wesfarmers to build and operate battery-grade lithium hydroxide facilities in the region. 

“Western Australia's status as a leading global supplier of battery and critical minerals is just the start of what the state has to offer investors around the world,” State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook said.

“The Western Australian government's new prospectus highlights investment opportunities across the battery and critical minerals value chains, including manufacturing and exporting battery-grade materials.

“It outlines everything Western Australia has to offer, including our abundant and diverse resources, established mineral processing capabilities, and strong environmental, social and governance credentials.

“I look forward to sharing the prospectus with potential investors and key partners from around the world and discussing the opportunities offered by Western Australian industries,” Cook said.

Since the mid-2010s, Western Australia has attracted more than A$9-billion of investment for a range of battery and critical mineral projects, including the establishment of globally significant mineral processing facilities. 

Operated by some of the world's top resources companies, these advanced processing facilities provide a strong foundation for more investment in the State's battery and critical minerals value chain, including the manufacturing of cathode active materials.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said that the state was leading the nation in growing battery and critical mineral industries. 

“The state is already home to a number of Australian firsts, including lithium hydroxide, nickel sulphate and rare earth facilities. The government is committed to growing the state's participation in global battery and critical mineral supply chains, with a focus on increasing job-creating manufacturing.

“We know that attracting new investment and establishing strategic relationships with key international partners is crucial to the future development of the state's battery and critical minerals industries.”

Through the WA Recovery Plan, the government has committed A$13.2-million to facilitate global investment in precursor cathode manufacturing in Western Australia.

The prospectus was developed in consultation with the Future Battery and Critical Minerals Industries Ministerial Taskforce, which includes leaders from resource companies, engineering firms, industry bodies and union groups.