The Western Australian government has commended the skyrocketing demand for the state’s spodumene concentrate, which has become a significant job-creating industry in WA.
WA’s Greenbushes Lithium Operation has seen an increase in global demand, which created 190 new jobs in the past year and brought the local operations workforce to over 900.
Greenbushes’ deposit is one of the largest hard rock deposits of spodumene in the world, with outputs accounting for approximately 22 per cent of the global lithium market.
Spodumene concentrate, from which lithium is extracted, is used globally to manufacture various products such as lithium-ion batteries used to power electric vehicles.
The mining operation is employing people who mostly live in and around the local communities of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Donnybrook, Nannup, Boyup Brook, Manjimup, Balingup, Mullalyup, and Kirup, providing significant backing for regional towns in the Warren-Blackwood region.
“Based on the growing production and demand, Greenbushes is home to the highest grade lithium in the world, and reinforces WA’s strength and ability to supply the world with the battery and critical minerals it needs to transition to net zero,” said Premier Mark McGowan.
“Demand for green energy technologies like EVs is driving exploration and investment in WA – which has been a key focus for my Government and is why I advocated for Albemarle to establish operations in WA,” the Premier added.
The McGowan government seeks to help grow WA’s future battery industry and transform it into a significant source of economic development, diversification, jobs, and skills.
The state government is also committed to developing WA into becoming a leading exporter of future battery minerals, materials, technologies, and expertise.
“Today, we had the opportunity to see the growing operations and congratulate Talison Lithium and staff on the recent success of Greenbushes,” said State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook. “As the world continues to decarbonise, the demand for battery and critical minerals will only grow. Through operations like Greenbushes, WA is in prime position to meet this demand.”
