In a net zero world, the best locations for processing and refining metals will be in geographies which can pair access to mineral resources with abundant, low-cost, renewable energy.
Australia is therefore ideally placed to grow its role in minerals processing and metals refining, and the most compelling strategic opportunities for Australia lie in expanded production of ‘green’ iron, green alumina and aluminium.
This submission sets out some of the factors that the Clean Energy Council considers critical to retaining and expanding metal production capability in Australia, particularly in relation to the development of low-cost renewable electricity, support for the scaling up of renewable hydrogen, the strategic planning and development of ‘green industrial zones’, and the need for internationally competitive incentives for new investment.