QLD | Critical Minerals: the new battery supply chain

The French-Australian Chamber of Commerce​ Queensland Chapter had the pleasure of hosting its first Energy & Resources Series event of the year dedicated to Critical Minerals: the new battery supply chain on Friday 6 May at the premises of our Corporate Member Corrs Chambers Westgarth​.

The seminar brought together the Queensland Government, represented by Tony Knight, Chief Government Geologist at the Department of Resources, and Chris Shaw, Deputy Director General at the Department of Energy & Public Works, alongside multiple players in the critical minerals supply chain, including Prony Resources (formerly Vale NC), operator of one of the nickel mines in New Caledonia and nominated supplier of Tesla; the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC); and finally, Pure Battery Technologies, mineral processor and operator of K&E Germany, and owner of proposed nickel and cobalt refineries in WA and Queensland.

Facilitated by Jerome Wahl, Director CSE ANZ / New Caledonia at Dassault Systèmes 3DS​, our panel discussed the current steps in the transition towards renewable energies, and what it means in terms of energy storage and access to critical minerals. The topic is particularly pertinent as the world races to electrify ever-more vehicles and industrial processes. To make that energy available, Queensland's wealth in minerals will play a key role in sustainably supplying the necessary metals.

Thank you to our sponsor Corrs Chambers Westgarth​for hosting and kindly providing a light buffet breakfast for the event.