The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia said it welcomed an announcement of a relief package for the state’s lithium producers.
“Falling lithium prices have forced a growing number of lithium operations to suspend or cease operations over the past 18 months,” said CME Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Tomkinson. “However, we know lithium remains a key commodity for the global energy transition and WA is well-placed to play a major role both mining and processing the crucial battery input.
“CME has long advocated for state government assistance to help lithium facilities through this difficult period and ensure they are well placed to quickly ramp up production when commodity prices improve,” she concluded.
The support package for lithium miners in the ramp-up phase of production, as well as downstream processing facilities, includes temporarily waiving fees associated with Government Trading Enterprises such as Synergy and Water Corporation for up to 24 months.
Port charges and mining tenement fees will also be waived for up to two years, while a $50 million loan facility will give miners that can demonstrate their long-term viability access to interest-free loans to sustain their operations.