Submission to the “Green metals” consultation paper

Submissions | 15 August 2024

Australia has a significant opportunity to create and retain high-quality jobs, grow its manufacturing sector and
“re-shore” capabilities lost to imports, through supporting the establishment of a low emissions metals supply chain.

• Low emissions iron, steel, alumina and aluminium production are industries in which Australia can grow global market share through carefully managed investments in low emissions pathways.
• Key emissions reduction pathways include increasing circularity and metals recycling; direct electrification using clean energy; displacing metallurgical coal through gas-based direct reduced iron; green hydrogen as a process feedstock; green hydrogen for process heating; and carbon capture, usage and storage. Each of these pathways are the subject of considerable R&D investment by MA member companies.
• In the medium term, reductions in emissions will also be achieved through substitution of emissions-intensive inputs, increased recycling and re-use of materials, process changes and efficiency improvements to existing assets.
• Careful balance must be struck between pursuing opportunities for green metals production and remaining competitive with imports (a level playing field) from other jurisdictions. This involves several interconnected policy considerations, some of which are highlighted in this submission. 

Read the full submission here.