• Lithium and Energy Materials talks centre on building global industry

• McGowan Government to build on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
• Western Australia has all the materials required for battery production 

The Lithium and Energy Materials Industry Consortium met today to ensure Western Australia capitalises on its status as the world's leading producer of lithium.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston acknowledged the important contributions made today from all attendees towards the development of the McGowan Government's Lithium and Energy Materials Industry Strategy for WA.  

The strategy will be fast-tracked for completion within six months.

It will deliver strategic direction and confidence to industry and its stakeholders, and assist in accessing Commonwealth funding to facilitate economic growth and diversification, job creation and research outcomes.

Advances in vehicle and battery storage technology has driven demand for lithium and related energy materials.

Our competitiveness in the battery supply chain is the highest in the early 'raw materials'. This is followed by the 'processes materials' phase, which WA is developing.

Processing will add substantial value to WA's lithium industry with increases in the value of the products shipped overseas, job creation and increased expertise in a growing industry.

Read more via the media statement.