By Roy Green Readers of @AuManufacturing will be familiar with John Howard’s prodigious contribution to public policy debate on the evolution of our national research and innovation system. His deep understanding of both the theoretical underpinnings and practical application of policy in this area was reflected in his recent book, Thinking in public: Australia’s missing…
A 50-day upgrade program begins this week at the Port Pirie smelter run by Nyrstar – which was recently awarded $135 million in federal and state funding to save its two Australian sites – with $80 million to be invested in shoring up the long-term competitiveness of the multi-metals processing facility. According to a statement…
Following reports this week that federal industry minister Tim Ayres and Queensland regional development minister Dale Last were to announce a bailout for Glencore’s Mount Isa Copper Smelter and Townsville Refinery, the size and structure of the support have been shared. Ayres (pictured) announced on Wednesday that the funding will amount to $600 million, split…
A bailout of the Mount Isa copper smelter is expected to be announced on Wednesday morning. The Sydney Morning Herald and others report that federal industry minister Tim Ayres will announce a rescue package for the loss-making smelter. The report did not cite a figure. “The government’s approach is to do what we responsibly can…
The Whyalla Steelworks, which is currently up for sale, is looking for approximately 60 skilled workers in “fitting, machinist, mechanical, instrumentation, electrical and fabricating trades” for an immediate start. According to a joint statement from federal industry minister Tim Ayres and South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas on Wednesday, the site has taken on “more than…
The federal government has announced a $5 billion Net Zero Fund aimed at supporting the decarbonisation of heavy industry, to be delivered by the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) with capital drawn from the existing $15 billion program. The announcement on Thursday coincided with the government’s release of its 2035 climate target – a 62-70 per…
Applications opened on Tuesday for the federal Battery Breakthrough Initiative, announced in the 2024 budget, offering $500 million in support through “capital grants, production incentives or other payments” and administered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA.) According to a statement from industry minister Tim Ayres (pictured) on Tuesday, the initiative aims to see more…
The National Reconstruction Fund has announced a $50 million equity investment in Liontown Resources, which is raising $266 million through an institutional placement. According to a statement from industry minister Tim Ayres on Thursday, the investment by the NRF will support “the ramp-up and underground transition” of Liontown’s Kathleen Valley Lithium Operation. “I am delighted…
The federal, South Australian and Tasmanian governments have committed $57.5 million, $55 million and $22.5 million respectively to support the modernisation of Nyrstar’s Australian refining facilities and move them towards critical minerals production. According to a joint statement from industry minister Tim Ayres and the two states’ premiers on Tuesday, combined government support of $135…
The federal and South Australian governments have announced an additional $275 million in funding to support operations, workers and suppliers at the Whyalla Steelworks as the sales process continues. KordaMentha were appointed as administrators in February, with the state and federal governments announcing support totalling $2.4 billion for the site soon after. This was described…