Plans have recently been unveiled to build the Cobalt-Nickel Refinery in the Kwinana Industrial Area, south of Perth, Western Australia, with first production estimated by early 2026.
The Premier of Western Australia, Roger Cook MLA, has provided a letter of support for the refinery, acknowledging its alignment with Western Australia's Battery and Critical Minerals Strategy and potential role in further solidifying the State's position as a national leader in battery material production.
The refinery aims to become a key supplier of responsibly sourced battery metals to meet soaring global demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). Its timely development aligns with the growing push for a secure Allied Nation supply chain as envisioned by the recently enacted IRA and CRMA. These ground-breaking legislations offer significant incentives for responsibly sourced materials, reshaping the global critical minerals landscape.
The future role of the Cobalt-Nickel Refinery is shown below - processing feedstock from domestic and international sources for export to global markets (primarily Japan, Europe, and North America).
