WA and Indonesia’s action plan for critical minerals

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has signed a Plan of Action with Indonesia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) during the Republic of Indonesia President Joko Widodo’s visit to Australia.

The agreement will further strengthen Western Australia’s economic ties, trade, and supply chain opportunities with Indonesia, including cooperation in critical minerals sectors.

It follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Western Australia and KADIN in February to provide a framework that constructs and secures the supply chains of critical minerals and promotes investment and collaboration to develop value-adding critical minerals and battery industries.

The 2023-2025 Plan of Action has three pillars of cooperation which are to develop resilient and sustainable supply chains, support strong environmental and social governance outcomes and grow a skilled workforce.

Activities to implement the plan will include high level meetings, business forums and the commissioning of strategic analysis to map future opportunities for WA and Indonesia to collaborate under the three pillars of cooperation.

Cook said: “Western Australia is already firmly established as a global leader in the supply of critical minerals and rare earths, with lithium hydroxide and other critical minerals processing quickly becoming established in our State.

“We’re committed to growing the State’s participation in global battery and critical mineral supply chains, with a view to further developing our value-adding and manufacturing industries.

“Working with Indonesia, an important trading partner and our closest neighbour to explore partnerships, share information, knowledge and strategies and facilitate business links will fuel our mutual economic growth and green ambitions.”

WA is already a leading supplier of battery and critical minerals. The state accounts for half of global lithium production and is a major exporter of nickel, cobalt, manganese and rare earths, with critical minerals processing and other value-adding industries rapidly emerging.

The signing is part of several official events including an Indonesia-Australia CEO Forum convened for President Widodo who is visiting Sydney with Indonesian ministers and business leaders from July 3-5.

Further reading:
Iluka Resources plans Australia’s first rare earths refinery

Picture: Iluka Resources