Western australia lithium mine energy storage materials

Why should Western Australia invest in lithium-ion batteries?

Western Australia needs a dedicated strategy to grow the industry and reap the full potential of its battery minerals, processing and manufacturing capacity, technical expertise and research capability. The rapid uptake of electric vehicles and battery-based energy storage systems across the world is driving global demand for lithium-ion batteries.

Can a battery energy storage system help power a lithium mine?

An 8 MWh battery energy storage system is now helping power one of the largest hard-rock lithium mines in the world with Western Australia-based miner PLS advancing its plans to reduce its energy-related emissions intensity and costs.

How much is Western Australia's battery and critical minerals industry worth?

The value of Western Australia’s battery and critical minerals sales rose from $16.3 billion in 2021-22 to $29.2 billion in 2022-23. Direct full-time equivalent employment in Western Australia’s battery and critical minerals industry rose 40% to 20,883 in 2022-23.

Who are Australia's lithium miners?

Australia is home to lithium miners Orocobre, Core Lithium, Pilbara Minerals, Mineral Resources and Altura Mining.

Where is the largest lithium mine in Western Australia?

Source: WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, Resource Data Files (Bi-Annual). Greenbushes is Western Australia’s largest lithium mine, accounting for 51% of the State’s lithium production in 2023. Other major lithium mines included Pilgangoora (17%), Wodgina (12%), Mt Marion (11%) and Mt Cattlin (6%).

How much will Western Australia invest in lithium processing projects?

Three of the world’s four largest producers of lithium are looking to develop downstream processing projects in Western Australia. The three companies plan to invest more than $2 billion in the development of these projects, creating more than 1,000 jobs during the construction phase and 800 during the operation phase.