WA Regional Development Minister Don Punch recently addressed the Critical Minerals Industry Luncheon in Bunbury and discussed the unique opportunities presented by global demand for the South West’s critical minerals as the world decarbonises.
The event provided a valuable platform for shining a light on how the South West can further seize opportunities opening up as demand increases for the region’s commodities, used in goods such as lithium batteries, and unlock jobs as part of Western Australia’s future as a global green energy superpower.
The forum also offered a chance for attendees to hear more about the WA government’s support for the growth of the critical minerals and battery industries in WA.
Among those taking to the stage were representatives from Albemarle, Talison Lithium, Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre, and the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
Punch stated that Western Australia, including the South West, has the ingredients to support global decarbonisation efforts.
“The South West is home to the world’s premier hard rock lithium mineral deposit, located in the region at Greenbushes.
“This has put the region in an enviable position — including the ability to attract significant investment in downstream processing from international players such as Albermarle.
“The transition to a clean energy future is opening up new opportunities for the South West and wider Western Australia — and it has been valuable to explore these opportunities at the Critical Minerals Industry Luncheon in Bunbury,” said Punch.
The event was organised by the South West Development Commission in partnership with the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Regional Development Commissions are key to the Cook Government’s job creating agenda on the ground in regional WA, working to grow and diversify the State’s regional economies.
