❓ Mr. Zempilas inquires about a prefeasibility study by CSIRO on low emissions iron making, including engagement process, outcomes, and stakeholder consultation. The Minister provides details on the project's funding, findings, and impact on government activities.
AnsweredQoN 1652Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Reports on Consultants Engaged by Government for the six months to 31 December 2023, 30 June 2024 and 31 December 2024 confirm that $495,000 was paid by the Department of Mines and Petroleum to CSIRO for a flexible pilot plant for low emissions iron making prefeasibility study. Can the Minister advise: (a) What was the process used to engage CSIRO for this consultancy; (b) Has CSIRO submitted a draft and/or final report to Government: (i) If so, can this be tabled; and (ii) If not, why not; (c) What were the outcomes from this consultancy; (d) Have the results been shared with relevant mining sector companies and/or entities representing the mining sector: (i) If so, when and who; and (ii) If not, why not; (e) What cost and timeframe were identified for the establishment of a low emissions iron making plant; (f) What were identified as the benefits to the State for such a plant; (g) What were identified as the challenges to the State for establishing such a plant; (h) Has the consultancy led to changes in Government policy and or priorities with respect to this issue: (i) If so, why; and (ii) If not, why not; (i) What consultation process did CSIRO follow in undertaking this work; (j) Who was consulted and when; (k) Were updates provided to Government during the consultancy: (i) If so, when and to who; and (ii) If not, why not; and (l) Has CSIRO shared information from this consultancy with other entities?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 February 2026
Responded by
Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Response time
1 days
(a) The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) submitted a proposal seeking Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) funding for a collaborative research project. The proposal was considered, and a funding allocation approved, by the MRIWA Board.
(b) Yes.
(i)-(ii) The report was intended to inform work internal to government.
(c) A prefeasibility study draft report relating to the potential establishment of a flexible pilot plant for low emissions iron making in Western Australia.
(d) Preliminary findings were shared through multiple presentations to industry and government stakeholders during 2024.
(e) The draft report suggests a multi-year, multi-staged process for establishing a low emissions iron piloting facility.
(f) The opportunity to position Western Australia as a hub for low-emissions ironmaking, related industry growth, and potential benefits of collaboration and innovation.
(g) Technical challenges relating to the iron and steelmaking process, and expertise and skills requirements.
(h) The work supported government activities related to the NeoSmelt proposal.
(i) The project included a structured consultation process including stakeholder interviews, workshops and an industry roundtable.
(j) Consultation activities occurred in 2023 and 2024. Stakeholder groups consulted include the mining and steel sectors, technology developers and original equipment manufacturers, research organisations and government agencies.
(k) Yes.
(i) Regular updates were provided to MRIWA throughout the project.
(ii) Not applicable.
(l) Preliminary findings have been shared with key industry and government stakeholders throughout the project.
(b) Yes.
(i)-(ii) The report was intended to inform work internal to government.
(c) A prefeasibility study draft report relating to the potential establishment of a flexible pilot plant for low emissions iron making in Western Australia.
(d) Preliminary findings were shared through multiple presentations to industry and government stakeholders during 2024.
(e) The draft report suggests a multi-year, multi-staged process for establishing a low emissions iron piloting facility.
(f) The opportunity to position Western Australia as a hub for low-emissions ironmaking, related industry growth, and potential benefits of collaboration and innovation.
(g) Technical challenges relating to the iron and steelmaking process, and expertise and skills requirements.
(h) The work supported government activities related to the NeoSmelt proposal.
(i) The project included a structured consultation process including stakeholder interviews, workshops and an industry roundtable.
(j) Consultation activities occurred in 2023 and 2024. Stakeholder groups consulted include the mining and steel sectors, technology developers and original equipment manufacturers, research organisations and government agencies.
(k) Yes.
(i) Regular updates were provided to MRIWA throughout the project.
(ii) Not applicable.
(l) Preliminary findings have been shared with key industry and government stakeholders throughout the project.
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