The Western Australian Government announced numerous initiatives, including a $6.5 million investment to drive a decarbonised, diversified economy, on the week ending 19 December 2025.
A total of 10 projects will receive funding under the second round of the Carbon Innovation Grants Program, designed to build the capacity of heavy industry sectors to transition to net zero emissions by 2050.
Six pilot projects and four Feasibility studies projects will receive the grants, representing innovative approaches to carbon abatement and sequestration.
The pilot projects include establishing a seaweed biorefinery manufacturing facility that will make plastic alternatives and an initiative to create by-products from captured carbon dioxide at an ammonia manufacturing plant.
Meanwhile, funding for the feasibility studies will allow recipients to assess the viability of new technologies or methods for reducing emissions, such as a study that will investigate hybrid electrification of quad trailers for long distance regional transport needs.
Shaping a positive future
Meanwhile, Western Australia has also seen a major boost in iron ore exports from Southern Ports’ Port of Esperance, with Yilgarn Iron completing its maiden shipment.
Yilgarn Iron’s five-day operation saw more than 176,000 tonnes of iron ore loaded through the Port of Esperance iron ore circuit onto the bulk carrier MV Densa Shark, which departed for China earlier this month.
At full production, Yilgarn Iron is targeting annual exports of more than four million tonnes, supporting the creation of up to 15 new operational roles at the Port of Esperance in early 2026 and increasing the port’s operations workforce by more than a third.
Yilgarn Iron becomes the second customer to use the port’s iron ore circuit, joining Gold Valley, which has exported almost 2.5 million tonnes of iron ore through the Port of Esperance since its first shipment in October 2024.
Managing Director Fergus Campbell says exporting the first shipment within less than four months of assuming control of the project is a testament to the team.
“We look forward to continuing to unlock the value of the Yilgarn’s iron ore resources and shaping a positive future for the company, country and community for many more years,” Campbell says.
Upskilling energy workers
In conjunction with supporting carbon reduction in the state, the Western Australian Government is delivering skilled workers for the energy sector.
More than 60 graduates will be starting work after completing nationally accredited training courses through Western Power.
Western Power works with registered training organisations to deliver several accredited programs to teach specialised skills across four streams: electrical, overhead linework, cable jointing, and heavy mechanical, all of which lead to careers in Western Australia’s energy sector.
Each graduate has been trained and mentored by experts.
The 2025 Western Power Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Hannah Usher. Hannah was recognised for her exceptional leadership qualities, willingness to challenge the status quo, and her proactive role as a safety representative.
Western Power has recruited for its 2026 intake of apprentices and trainees. Successful applicants will start in February 2026.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Western Australian Government, iStock & Unsplash
