Green metals

We are using our energy resources to become a world leader in green metals.

Australia has potential to become one of the lowest-cost producers of green metals in the world. By investing in local production and drawing on our natural and renewable resources, we can lead the global shift to net zero.

Green metals refer to sustainably produced: 

  • iron
  • steel
  • alumina
  • aluminium.

Australia has a significant metals industry. By decarbonising metal production, we can help build our economy, expand our skilled workforce and supply the current and future needs of our trading partners.

The Australia Government’s Future Made in Australia National Interest Framework also identifies green metals as a priority industry, critical to Australia’s net zero transformation. 

Building Australia’s green metals sector 

Unlocking green metals opportunities for a Future Made in Australia: consultation paper

We consulted on the barriers and opportunities for a thriving green metals industry.
Read the paper on our consultation hub >

Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund

This fund will accelerate growth of new industries, including green metals. It will support innovation, commercialisation, pilot and demonstration projects, and early-stage development.

Net zero sector plan for industry

We are developing a plan to help major sectors including metals producers reduce emissions and decarbonise.

Meet the Industrial Decarbonisation and Green Metals Advisory Panel

The advisory panel will give strategic advice to help us develop a sustainable green metals industry. The panel has 7 experts with experience in the industry and manufacturing sectors.

Mark Cain
Chief Executive of Australian Steel Institute since 2019. The institute represents the entire steel supply chain from manufacturing through to end users in building, construction, heavy engineering, and manufacturing. Mark has extensive experience in senior executive roles.
Paul Farrow
National Secretary of the Australian Workers Union (AWU). Paul was an aircraft maintenance engineer before working in different senior roles with the AWU since 2004.
Paul Howes
National Managing Partner, Consulting, KPMG Australia since June 2023. Paul has worked in senior roles with trade unions and was a member of the Prime Minister’s Manufacturing Taskforce in 2011. He is a member of the UTS Business School Advisory Board and a governor of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia.
Marghanita Johnson
CEO of Australian Aluminium Council since 2019. Marghanita’s background is in the mining and manufacturing sectors with experience in government engagement and advocacy. She is a board member of the Energy Users Association of Australia and Vice Chair of the Australian Industry Greenhouse Network.
Steve Murphy
National Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union since 2020. Steve is a member of the National Construction Industry Forum which gives advice to government on issues about work in the construction industry.
Jenny Selway
CEO of the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC) since June 2023. The centre works to accelerate decarbonisation for iron, steel, alumina and cement. Jenny is an engineer and has a worked across the energy industry with an increased focus on renewable energy. She is a current board member at Gippsland Water.
Rebecca Tomkinson
Chief Executive of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the peak representative body for the resources sector in WA. Rebecca has experience working in all levels of government and executive roles in the corporate and community sectors. She is a current board member of Infrastructure WA, Crown Perth, and the Perth USAsia Centre.

Read the advisory panel's terms of reference

Latest news

Aug 2024

Meet the advisory panel shaping our future green metals industry

The Industrial Decarbonisation and Green Metals Advisory Panel will help us lead in green metals production.
Jun 2024

Investments to position Australia as a world leader in green metals production

As part of the 2024-25 May Budget, the Australian Government announced it will invest in measures to help decarbonise iron, steel, alumina and aluminium.
May 2024

Building an Australian green metals industry: have your say

Tell us about barriers and opportunities to producing green metals in Australia. Consultation is open until 14 July 2024.

More information

Read more about our support for priority manufacturing sectors
Read more about our support for critical minerals, strategic materials and the resources sector

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