UPDATE: The new chief executive of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy, Aaron Morey, has just announced that the Western Australia (WA) resources sector is at the brink of immense opportunity. Speaking at a pivotal moment for the industry, Morey emphasized that WA’s wealth is not at its end but rather at the beginning of a transformative era.
This urgent declaration comes as WA continues to generate approximately $970 million in taxes, royalties, and other payments to the government each week. Morey pointed out that innovations in infrastructure and technology have positioned the state to capitalize on the growing global demand for critical minerals.
In a historical context, Morey referenced the challenges faced during the construction of the Goldfields water pipeline in 1901. Critics then feared financial ruin for WA, yet the state emerged stronger, continuously mining Kalgoorlie’s Golden Mile. Today, the potential for growth remains vast, with unexplored resources lying beneath the surface.
Morey stressed the urgent need for action to navigate current challenges, including rising energy costs and complex project assessments. He called for a united effort between government and industry to enhance WA’s competitiveness. “A shared commitment to placing WA on the path back to competitiveness is the starting point,” he stated.
The demand for WA’s resources—such as iron ore, gold, bauxite, lithium, and LNG—is expected to remain robust as the global market shifts towards sustainable energy solutions. Morey highlighted that WA is uniquely positioned to meet this demand, especially as advancements in technology and energy transitions unfold.
Additionally, Morey hinted at the potential for significant breakthroughs in lower-emission technologies, stating that WA could lead the way in decarbonizing heavy industries. The state’s geology is also ideal for carbon capture and storage, further enhancing its strategic importance in the global market.
However, Morey cautioned that opportunity alone is insufficient. He underscored the importance of streamlined approval processes grounded in scientific evidence, protected from ideologically driven appeals. He urged that gas remains a vital component in ensuring affordability within future low-emission energy grids.
As WA navigates this crossroads, Morey called for ambition over complacency. “If we choose ambition over complacency and long-term thinking over short-term politics, the next century of our resources story will be even more remarkable than the last,” he stated.
In the wake of this announcement, stakeholders and industry leaders are encouraged to rally together to ensure WA remains a competitive player on the global stage. Morey’s leadership will focus on advocating for policies that enhance productivity and attract new investment, ensuring WA’s resources continue to shape a prosperous future.
As developments unfold, all eyes will be on WA’s ability to turn these challenges into opportunities, setting the stage for a new chapter in its storied resources history. Stay tuned for more updates as this story progresses.
