CRITICAL
MINERALS

Unlocking the Backbone of Australia’s Clean Energy Future

powering australia sector critical mineral overview

Essential Resources
For A Resilient
Energy Future

Australia is no longer just a supplier of critical minerals; we are at the cutting edge of global deployment and innovation in stationary battery technologies. With rising demand for energy storage, coordinated national investment, and a growing base of local expertise, we are establishing the full supply chain, from critical mineral refining to advanced battery production and end-of-life maintenance and recycling.

Backed by the Battery Breakthrough Initiative and Building Future Battery Capabilities Program, we are enabling the technologies, infrastructure, and partnerships that will shape a competitive Australian battery industry and power the nation’s clean energy future.

TOP 5

exporter of multiple critical minerals and iron ore

127k

in job opportunities to be realised in the critical mineral manufacturing sector by 2035

~US4

cents/kWh. A global lowest in cost of renewables, if we capture leadership opportunity

SECTOR OVERVIEW

As global demand for batteries accelerates, so does the need for resilient, scalable supply chains. With Australia's abundant renewable resources, integrating battery storage with clean energy creates the most affordable power option.

Batteries are critical not just to renewable energy and grid stability, but to the future of transport, manufacturing, and energy security.

Australia holds a strategic advantage, abundant critical minerals, world-class research capability, and a legacy of industrial know-how. These strengths position us to play a leading role in the global battery economy. Realising this opportunity means going beyond extraction, and investing in domestic value-add, skilled jobs, and innovation.

MAKING IT HAPPEN

We support Australia’s entire battery ecosystem, from design and manufacturing to deployment of next generation energy storage. Acting as connectors, we map the clean-tech sector from critical minerals to batteries, linking organisations nationwide and driving collaboration.

Through programs like Building Future Batteries Capability, we enhance standards, showcase industry advances, and help technologies reach the market. We also connect Australian companies with global resources such as the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre to support scaling.

Alongside partners like TAFE Queensland, we help train the skilled workforce essential for the sector’s growth. Our international network attracts trade and investment, while partnerships across research and industry accelerate scalable manufacturing from lithium-ion to flow batteries.

By backing battery innovation and building strong partnerships across research and industry, we’re supporting the acceleration of scalable manufacturing, infrastructure and ideas that support Australia’s participation in the global battery industry.