Critical minerals processing gets more than $1.3b funding

(Photo: Alpha HPA demonstration scale precursor plant) The Federal Government is investing in developing a sovereign critical minerals processing industry. Critical Minerals refers to a scarcity in both source of minerals and processing facilities in which China is the dominant player. The sector has strategic as well as renewable energy and technology applications. The Feds have targeted the development of a critical mineral industry in a $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative. Alpha HPA site under development in Gladstone The Government has today announced over $243 million in support for four projects under the Collaboration Stream of the Modern Manufacturing Initiative, which will create over 3,400 jobs over time. Three projects are in Western Australia and include, $119.6 million for Pure Battery Technologies’ $399 million Western Australian pCAM Hub, in partnership with Poseidon Nickel, will build an integrated nickel manganese cobalt battery material refinery hub in the Kalgoorlie region. Another $45m grant will support Alpha HPA’s $330 million project with Orica to construct a high purity alumina production facility near Gladstone that will help meet the rapidly expanding demand for lithium-ion batteries and LED lights, with more than 300 jobs to be created from this year. Related: Alpha HPA boosts precursor plant capacity The projects were key to securing manufacturing in Australia and the thousands of jobs that come with those industries, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison. “These projects are about manufacturing the products and materials Australians need and the world needs, by making them right here at home,” Mr Morrison said. “We’re helping grow the local critical minerals processing and clean energy industries and locking in the future of those industries by backing manufacturing projects in Australia. “The $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative is a key part of my Government’s plan for a stronger economy and a stronger future for our country.” Expanded export opportunities These projects would help us capture even more parts of the global supply chain, while at the same time helping us power our lives here at home, said Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor. “The things we use every day like our smartphones, computers and rechargeable batteries need to be made with critical minerals. They are also needed to make solar panels, electric cars, defence technology and many other high-tech applications,” Mr Taylor said. Related: Critical mineral projects attract funding “Australia is lucky to have some of the largest reserves of the critical minerals and metals which drive the modern global economy. But China currently dominates around 70 to 80 per cent of global critical minerals production and continues to consolidate its hold over these supply chains. This initiative is designed to address that dominance. “These projects are not only game-changers for the local region with the creation of new jobs, they will also open up incredible export opportunities.”

Critical minerals processing gets more than $1.3b funding

Industry Queensland

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