AusIMM launches member-led Lithium and Battery Metals Policy Paper
AusIMM is proud to have launched our Lithium and Battery Metals Policy Paper on the opening day of the Lithium Battery and Energy Metals Conference 2021, with President Dave Clark, the WA Minister for Mines and Petroleum and US Consul-General launching the paper.
As the trusted voice for people in resources, AusIMM knows that the lithium, battery and other critical minerals produced by our sector are essential commodities for modern life. There is substantial scope for the Australian sector to move up the value chain for these commodities, and the expertise of resources professionals must be harnessed to realise these opportunities.
The policy paper makes recommendations around six key areas:
- technical standards and best practice
- social and environmental performance
- skills development and workforce capability
- innovation and technological development
- business and geostrategic factors
- government policy levers, to drive demand and support activity across the value chain.
As AusIMM President Dave Clark remarked at the launch of the paper, one of the most significant aspects of this paper is its member-led development.
"AusIMM members are trusted, credible experts on matters relating to the sector, working across all professional disciplines, commodities and stages of the minerals lifecycle. AusIMM drew on this broad and deep expertise in developing this policy paper, including through the Trusted Voice Ambassador Program."
Dave particularly acknowledged the substantial contribution of SW WA Branch members, who were instrumental in advising and drafting the paper. Dave gave special thanks here to Ed Dawson, William Delaney, George Wren, and Branch Chair Morrie Goodz for their leadership.
"It is these contributions that allow AusIMM to join with government, industry and academia to exercise shared leadership on issues that matter for our sector."
The value AusIMM offer in delivering balanced, credible advice is reflected in the substantial government support for the paper and its launch, evidenced by the attendance of the Western Australian Minister for Mines and Petroleum the Hon Bill Johnston MLA and US Consul-General David Gainer at the launch.
Minister Johnston also contributed a foreword to the paper, and joined with Mr Gainer, AusIMM representatives, SW WA Branch members, industry leaders and other conference delegates at a lunchtime event to discuss the paper and priorities for the lithium and battery metals sector.
We encourage all members to access a copy of the paper here.
You can also reach out to the Trusted Voice Team to learn more about our advocacy around lithium, battery and critical minerals by contacting policy@ausimm.com.