Regions
|
Group Information
|
|
|---|---|
| Group Title: | |
| Group Description: |
The mining sector is critical for the Goldfields. Gold and nickel mining operations define the Goldfields region and provide the foundation for many of its settlements. The exploration, extraction and processing of these resources through well-established supply links continue to underpin the prosperity of the region.
A top-tier mining jurisdiction, the Goldfields- Esperance region is one of the most resource rich areas on the planet. It is home to a suite of critical materials - lithium, cobalt, vanadium, tantalum, nickel and graphite - used to produce energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries. The region also possesses non-battery minerals used in the manufacturing of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, including significant deposits of rare earths. The Goldfields-Esperance region is already an established and expanding producer of some of the key minerals for the global lithium-ion battery supply chain. Current Goldfields-Esperance lithium mining operations include the Bald Hill project near Kambalda, the Mount Marion project near Coolgardie and Mount Cattlin in the Shire of Ravensthorpe. A number of locations around the region have been shortlisted for possible lithium refinery. The Mount Weld mine, near Laverton, ranks as one of the richest major rare-earth deposits in the world. Lynas Corporation, which operates Mount Weld, has announced its intention to develop an upstream processing plant in the Goldfields in a move that will further consolidate the region’s position as one of the premier rare earths producing jurisdictions outside of China. |