Kalgoorlie to become the vanadium powerhouse of Western Australia

• WA Labor to halve vanadium products royalty and scrap royalty on vanadium electrolyte
• Commitment reflects WA Labor’s focus on making more things locally with its Made in WA plan
• Builds on re-elected Cook Labor Government’s $150 million in WA-made vanadium battery
• Royalty cut to further boost jobs and create opportunities for industry in Kalgoorlie
• WA’s emerging vanadium industry to play a central role in WA’s energy transition

A re-elected Cook Labor Government is set to cut royalties on vanadium products in a bid to incentivise the emerging industry and make Kalgoorlie-Boulder the vanadium powerhouse of WA.

Historically, vanadium products would have incurred a 5 per cent royalty, however processing vanadium products is complex with a high level of processing involved.

The policy to half the rate to 2.5 per cent, the lowest tier, reflects Roger Cook and WA Labor’s focus on making more things locally with its Made in WA plan.

There is currently no royalty rate for vanadium electrolyte, however like lithium hydroxide, maintaining a no royalty for vanadium electrolyte will help stimulate growth in this important sector.

Roger Cook and WA Labor’s Made in WA plan outlines initiatives to make more things locally, create jobs and bolster business opportunities for the Kalgoorlie-Boulder region.

Vanadium batteries are forecast to play a central role in the energy transition, providing a long-term energy storage solution.

This commitment builds on Roger Cook and WA Labor’s recent $150 million Australian-first vanadium battery project to drive growth in the emerging vanadium industry and stimulate opportunities for downstream processing and exports.

The installation of a vanadium battery in Kalgoorlie will create a raft of local opportunities, including the establishment of a Kalgoorlie-based vanadium electrolyte production and battery industry.

The recently announced new 50-megawatt, 10-hour WA made vanadium flow battery in Kalgoorlie will further reinforce the Goldfields’ energy system and create about 150 local jobs.

Western Australia has one of the world’s largest vanadium deposits being developed south of Meekatharra, with local vanadium supply expected in coming years.

A re-elected Cook Labor Government has also committed to delivering a WA-first residential battery scheme with a $387 million investment to help WA families purchase residential batteries and save up to $1,500 on their power bills every year.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

“We’ve kept our economy strong, brought back railcar manufacturing to WA and built our bridges locally."

“Now with our Made in WA plan, we’ll invest in local battery manufacturing and create thousands of local jobs."

“These policy settings to cut the royalty rate are about ensuring we can support a full supply chain from WA mines to WA-made batteries, powering WA homes and businesses."

“We know that Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a big contributor to WA’s economy and we need to continue to invest, undertake diversification projects and sustain job-building initiatives, and this is what we’re doing.”

Comments attributed to Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:

“During my time as the WA Labor Member for Kalgoorlie, there has been significant investment and job-creating initiatives to benefit Kalgoorlie-Boulder. If re-elected, this will continue under a Cook Labor Government because we'll always do what’s right for WA."

“Under WA Labor’s Made in WA plan, there is a massive program that will deliver a significant pipeline of work for our communities. It includes money-saving initiatives to cut power bills and boost jobs, including the new WA-first residential battery scheme."

“I’m pleased our region’s contribution to the broader WA economy is recognised under Roger Cook and WA Labor.”