As a nation and as a state we can’t afford to approach global energy transition like a snakes and ladders game.
Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA CEO, Rebecca Tomkinson
Today’s announcement by the WA Government to adopt the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA’s (CME) recommendation for a nickel royalty relief package has been recognised as a promising measure for the sustainability of the state’s nickel industry.
CME Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Tomkinson, said the Nickel Financial Assistance Program was a positive sign that the weeks of urgent discussions with state and federal ministers and parliamentarians on behalf of industry were productive.
“This shows the state’s understanding of the importance of nickel to the critical minerals aspirations of downstream processing,” said Ms Tomkinson.
“CME has made it very clear that targeted and evidence-based government support such as temporary royalty relief makes sense for the nickel sector in the near-term, given the significance of the industry to local employment, the economy and our national strategic interests.
“Battery minerals represent a strategically important sector for the state and we need to ensure we have a solution for the short- and mid-term, as well as settings that ensure viability and sustainability in the longer term.
“The State Government’s Nickel Financial Assistance Program is one of many measures needed on the path to net zero so I look forward to seeing further strategies and actions that secure longevity in the sector.”
Ms Tomkinson said removing inefficient government processes and delivering competitive fiscal settings would be needed to attract investment in Australia’s battery and critical minerals industry and achieve 2030 and 2050 decarbonisation targets.
“As a nation and as a state we can’t afford to approach global energy transition like a snakes and ladders game,” she said.
“We have all the key people at the table so now it’s about coordinating our efforts, and we appreciate the State Government acting on this.
“Collectively, the State and Federal Governments need to ladder up and act before prospects to advance the global energy transition slip away and WA loses opportunities that other countries will willingly seize.”
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Media contact: Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com