❓ Ms Davies questions the Premier regarding Lynas Rare Earths' concerns about energy and water infrastructure in Kalgoorlie. The Premier acknowledges the challenges and outlines government efforts to address industry needs.
AnsweredQoN 485Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
LYNAS RARE EARTHS
PROJECT, KALGOORLIE — ENERGY AND WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
485. Ms M.J. DAVIES to the Premier:
I refer to comments reported from
the 2023 Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum made by the CEO of Lynas Rare Earths
in reference to phase 2 of its project in Kalgoorlie—specifically, that
there was a lack of common energy and water treatment and supply infrastructure
to support the next stage of its project.
(1) Does the Premier agree with this
assessment?
(2) What is the government doing to
address the specific concerns?
PROJECT, KALGOORLIE — ENERGY AND WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
485. Ms M.J. DAVIES to the Premier:
I refer to comments reported from
the 2023 Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum made by the CEO of Lynas Rare Earths
in reference to phase 2 of its project in Kalgoorlie—specifically, that
there was a lack of common energy and water treatment and supply infrastructure
to support the next stage of its project.
(1) Does the Premier agree with this
assessment?
(2) What is the government doing to
address the specific concerns?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(2) I
thank the member for the question. The challenge for any state government at
this point in time is how to meet the confident investments in new industries
that are being made in our state, such as in renewable energy and obviously critical minerals and rare earths. It is a good
challenge to have. Companies are looking to invest in Western Australia
because they know that this is the place to set up camp and invest to get into
the renewable energy and new energy game. It is a challenge for us. We
understand that we have power and water infrastructure issues that need to be
addressed, not just in Kalgoorlie but also all around the state. We are working
to understand the needs of industry, and particularly those that are looking to
be part of the new global advanced manufacturing industries, to make sure that
they have the facilities, industrial land and utilities they need to be able to
continue to make confident decisions. I know that the Minister for Mines and
Petroleum met with Liontown yesterday.
Mr W.J. Johnston : I did meet
with Liontown, but this is Lynas.
Mr R.H. COOK : Lynas—sorry.
The minister met with the company yesterday to discuss these issues. I was in
Kalgoorlie last week, and we discussed these issues with a whole range of
industry interests. We will continue to make
sure that we meet with industry to understand its needs. The Western Australian
Labor government will ensure that it remains an important investment
partner so that industry can continue to work with us and we can benefit from
the great projects that industry is bringing to the state.
thank the member for the question. The challenge for any state government at
this point in time is how to meet the confident investments in new industries
that are being made in our state, such as in renewable energy and obviously critical minerals and rare earths. It is a good
challenge to have. Companies are looking to invest in Western Australia
because they know that this is the place to set up camp and invest to get into
the renewable energy and new energy game. It is a challenge for us. We
understand that we have power and water infrastructure issues that need to be
addressed, not just in Kalgoorlie but also all around the state. We are working
to understand the needs of industry, and particularly those that are looking to
be part of the new global advanced manufacturing industries, to make sure that
they have the facilities, industrial land and utilities they need to be able to
continue to make confident decisions. I know that the Minister for Mines and
Petroleum met with Liontown yesterday.
Mr W.J. Johnston : I did meet
with Liontown, but this is Lynas.
Mr R.H. COOK : Lynas—sorry.
The minister met with the company yesterday to discuss these issues. I was in
Kalgoorlie last week, and we discussed these issues with a whole range of
industry interests. We will continue to make
sure that we meet with industry to understand its needs. The Western Australian
Labor government will ensure that it remains an important investment
partner so that industry can continue to work with us and we can benefit from
the great projects that industry is bringing to the state.
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