Joint media release with Victorian Senator David Van

The Morrison Government is helping power Australia’s role as a global leader in lithium battery manufacturing with $800,000 provided for a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in regional Victoria.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the BATMn reactor at the Calix Manufacturing Facility will open the door to a new frontier of advanced manufacturing and battery creation.

“Australia is well positioned to become a world leader in the booming lithium industry, which has huge potential to create new jobs and opportunities for Australians,” Minister Andrews said.  

“As the world’s largest producer of lithium, we have an enormous opportunity to leverage off this rapidly-growing industry. That’s why the Morrison Government supported the creation of the BATMn reactor with $800,000 through the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Fund.

“Calix is a fantastic example of an advanced manufacturer using Australia’s abundant lithium reserves to create high-value products for domestic and international markets.”

Senator David Van welcomed the opening of the reactor and the opportunities it will bring to regional Victoria.

“Calix’s BATMn reactor is evidence of Australia’s bright future in advanced manufacturing,” Senator Van said.

“The Government’s investment into these projects shows our commitment to growing the battery industry, which drives job creation and economic growth.”

The reactor will fuel the work of the Cooperative Research Centre Project (CRC-P) for Advanced Hybrid Batteries, which recently received $3 million through round 7 of the CRC-P Program.

Calix leads the CRC-P in collaboration with the Institute for Frontier Materials and BAT-TRI Hub at Deakin University and specialist chemicals manufacturer Boron Molecular Ltd Pty.

The CRC-P project aims to create a sustainable Australian manufacturing industry delivering high performance, affordable, and more recyclable lithium ion hybrid batteries.

Media contacts:

Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070

Senator Van's office 02 6277 3760