Premier Mark McGowan believes a focus on ethics in industry will attract overseas investors.
Camera IconPremier Mark McGowan believes a focus on ethics in industry will attract overseas investors. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Ethical industry practices attracts overseas lithium investors

Gabrielle JefferyWeekend Kwinana Courier

A FOCUS on ethics in industry could help WA get the lion’s share of the lithium battery market for many years to come, according to government and industry stakeholders.

Premier Mark McGowan and Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston launched the Western Australian Future Battery Industry Strategy to set WA up as a world leading exporter of future battery minerals, materials, technologies and expertise.

Premier McGowan said strong government leadership would encourage related industries to locate to WA.

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“The world’s largest single location for processing lithium is here (WA),” he said.

“It’s the industry of the future for centuries if not decades to come.

“To deal with climate change we need this technology.”

Clean industry was highlighted during the Premier’s recent trip overseas.

“Japan and America are so interested in this – in ways to reduce pollution,” he said.

Northern Minerals CEO George Baulk said people needed to dream bigger about the industry’s potential.

“It’s about getting closer to the customer – it’s important to have government behind industry,” he said.

“We are competing against groups that don’t play fair in the way they extract their material.

“Everyone is craving ethical industry.”

Mr McGowan said it will create jobs, diversification and skills development, and benefit locals state-wide

The strategy is driven by increased demand for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

It’s created a unique opportunity for Western Australia to adopt a big part in the global battery value chain.

A first step is to develop an investment attraction strategy to strengthen relationships with investors and manufactures in the global battery and electric vehicle supply chains.

The state government will commit $6 million if it is successful in its bid to host the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre in Perth.

For a copy of the strategy, visit https://www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/fbis