A ground-breaking initiative in Western Australia is set to propel the state’s mining industry towards a greener future through mining decarbonisation. An investment of $4 million will pave the way for the establishment of the Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) industry, following a comprehensive study showcasing Western Australia’s potential to emerge as a hub for carbon storage.
Emphasising the state’s leadership in mining and natural gas, WA Premier Roger Cook expressed confidence in Western Australia’s capability to become a global frontrunner in CCUS.
Cook stated, “We can leverage our skilled workforce, existing infrastructure, and unique geology to attract global CCUS investment—ultimately creating local jobs and fortifying our state’s economy.”
The forthcoming CCUS industry will focus on the capture and storage of carbon dioxide, aiming to curtail emissions from large-scale industrial processes and projects.
WA Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston highlighted the significance of this development for the industrial and mining sectors. Johnston noted, “Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage will provide WA’s industrial and mining industries with access to opportunities for decarbonisation.”
In a strategic move, the WA Government is committing $4.3 million to a comprehensive CCUS action plan. This plan aims to expedite the implementation of CCUS technologies, foster new research initiatives, and attract investments. The focus is on understanding the advantages of establishing one or more CCUS hubs developing legislation that facilitates the transportation and storage of greenhouse gases. A crucial step towards securing the state’s future.
This investment signals a transformative shift towards sustainability. Western Australia positions itself not only as a global mining and natural gas leader but also as a trailblazer in reducing carbon emissions.