❓ Hon Phil Twiss questioned the WA government's redirection of $75 million from the Critical Minerals Advance Processing Common User Facility to the NeoSmelt pilot project, asking about the rationale, final investment decision timeline, and exit strategy if the pilot fails. The Minister confirmed funding redirection to support a green iron and steel industry, with a final decision expected by the end of 2026, subject to ongoing negotiations.
AnsweredQoN 413Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
NeoSmelt pilot project413.Hon Phil Twissto
theLeader of the House
representing the Minister for State Development:I refer to
the $75 million investment in the NeoSmelt pilot project in Kwinana.(1) Was this funded by redirecting money
from the Critical Minerals Advance Processing Common User Facility?(2) If yes to (1), why has the government
redirected funding away from a sector previously hailed as vital to the state's
future to fund just a single green iron pilot project?(3) When is the final investment decision
expected for this pilot?(4) What is the government's exit
strategy if the pilot fails and will the taxpayer be financially exposed to
keep this project alive?
theLeader of the House
representing the Minister for State Development:I refer to
the $75 million investment in the NeoSmelt pilot project in Kwinana.(1) Was this funded by redirecting money
from the Critical Minerals Advance Processing Common User Facility?(2) If yes to (1), why has the government
redirected funding away from a sector previously hailed as vital to the state's
future to fund just a single green iron pilot project?(3) When is the final investment decision
expected for this pilot?(4) What is the government's exit
strategy if the pilot fails and will the taxpayer be financially exposed to
keep this project alive?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. The following response has
been provided by the Minister for State Development.
(1)–(4) Funding was redirected to progress the
state government's commitment to the delivery of a locally made green iron
industry and to set up a green steel industry as recognised in the government's Made in WA plan. A final decision is
expected by the end of 2026. Conditions to release funding are still
conditional and subject to negotiations between parties.
honourable member for some notice of the question. The following response has
been provided by the Minister for State Development.
(1)–(4) Funding was redirected to progress the
state government's commitment to the delivery of a locally made green iron
industry and to set up a green steel industry as recognised in the government's Made in WA plan. A final decision is
expected by the end of 2026. Conditions to release funding are still
conditional and subject to negotiations between parties.
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