Building Australia’s green metals sector

Australia has potential to become a cost-competitive green metals producer. 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. 

Investing in green metals

The government is making multi-billion dollar investments to support green metals projects and encourage private investment. These investments aim to position Australia as a reliable global supplier of low-emissions metals, support the clean energy transition and strengthen our industrial future.

Investment

Amount

Purpose
Green Iron Investment Fund  $1 billion

To help crowd-in private investment for a strong green iron industry, with:

  • $500 million available to applicants across Australia through the National Development Stream
  • up to $500 million earmarked for the transformation of the Whyalla Steelworks.
Green Aluminium Production Credit $2 billion To support Australian aluminium smelters further transition to renewable electricity
Future made in Australia Innovation fund $750 million To aid innovation and development of green metals
Net Zero Fund (under the National Reconstruction Fund) $5 billion To support large industrial facilities in decarbonisation, energy efficiency and scale up manufacturing low emissions technologies 
Green Metals Innovation Network $10 million To improve industry-research collaboration to test, validate and commercialise green metals technologies, led by the CSIRO

  • Green Aluminium Production Credit

    The credit will drive deep decarbonisation and position our aluminium industry to benefit from the emerging global green metals market opportunity.

  • Green Iron Investment Fund

    The fund will help establish Australia’s position as a green iron producer, while contributing to emissions reduction in the steel value chain.

  • 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.

  • Green Metals Innovation Network

    The network will connect researchers and industry to advance the development of a green metals industry in Australia.

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 5 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.
  • 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.

Latest news

More information

Read the guidelines for the Green Iron Investment Fund – National Development Stream
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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