❓ Hon. Neil Thomson questions the government's battery and critical minerals strategy following job losses at major industry partners. The government responds by highlighting ongoing collaboration and investment initiatives.
AnsweredQoN 853Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
WESTERN AUSTRALIA'S BATTERY AND CRITICAL
MINERALS STRATEGY 2024–2030
853. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I refer to the recently announced job losses at Albemarle,
Nickel West and Alcoa and the thousands of jobs lost, or to be lost, in
downstream processing of minerals involved in battery manufacturing.
How will the government
deliver on its strategy for Western Australia's future battery and
critical minerals industries if its major partners on the ministerial
taskforce, including BHP for Nickel West and Albemarle for lithium, are either
closing shop or winding down business aspirations in Western Australia?
MINERALS STRATEGY 2024–2030
853. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I refer to the recently announced job losses at Albemarle,
Nickel West and Alcoa and the thousands of jobs lost, or to be lost, in
downstream processing of minerals involved in battery manufacturing.
How will the government
deliver on its strategy for Western Australia's future battery and
critical minerals industries if its major partners on the ministerial
taskforce, including BHP for Nickel West and Albemarle for lithium, are either
closing shop or winding down business aspirations in Western Australia?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question.
The state government continues to work closely with industry
and key stakeholders, including the Australian government, on key actions
outlined in Western Australia's battery and critical minerals
strategy 2024–2030 . This includes key initiatives supported by
industry, including the state government's $500 million strategic
industries fund and the Australian government's critical minerals
production tax incentive. I note that although Albemarle has scaled back its
operations, it is still a major employer in the south west, with a workforce of
around 460 at its Kemerton facility.
Albemarle has advised that the second train at Kemerton will recommence with a sustained
market improvement. I also note that BHP—Nickel West—is
investing around $450 million a year to enable a restart when the market
outlook improves.
question.
The state government continues to work closely with industry
and key stakeholders, including the Australian government, on key actions
outlined in Western Australia's battery and critical minerals
strategy 2024–2030 . This includes key initiatives supported by
industry, including the state government's $500 million strategic
industries fund and the Australian government's critical minerals
production tax incentive. I note that although Albemarle has scaled back its
operations, it is still a major employer in the south west, with a workforce of
around 460 at its Kemerton facility.
Albemarle has advised that the second train at Kemerton will recommence with a sustained
market improvement. I also note that BHP—Nickel West—is
investing around $450 million a year to enable a restart when the market
outlook improves.
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