WA is offering a $150 million lithium industry lifeline.

The government’s Lithium Industry Support Program aims to stabilise a sector critical to the state's economy and global decarbonisation efforts.  

“WA's lithium industry supported more than 11,000 local jobs last financial year and has three new lithium hydroxide refineries currently in construction or commissioning,” WA Premier Roger Cook said.

The program waives port and mining tenement fees for two years, easing costs by $9.37 million for companies in their ramp-up phase. 

Additional fee waivers by entities like DevelopmentWA and Synergy will provide $90 million to support downstream processing facilities.  

A $50 million interest-free loan facility will also help financially strained miners. Loans must be repaid within two years after spodumene prices exceed US$1,100 per tonne for two quarters or by 30 June 2026.  

WA supplies 50 per cent of global lithium, generating $8.4 billion in sales and $710 million in state royalties in 2023-24. However, a price crash has stalled projects, threatening jobs. 

“Lithium forms an incredibly important part of not only decarbonising our own economy but supporting the entire global decarbonisation effort,” Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti said. 

This initiative builds on WA’s Battery and Critical Minerals Strategy and a 2020 royalty rebate program for miners.  

Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King has praised the program, saying it aligns with Canberra’s $17 billion critical minerals support package. 

Despite critiques that the package is insufficient for an $8.4 billion industry, analysts see it as a strong signal of commitment. 

Mining firm Morningstar forecasts tripling lithium demand by 2030, offering hope of recovery.  

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