Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre

The Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FBICRC) was established in 2019 under the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program to support Australia’s transition into a globally competitive battery industry. The FBI CRC was enabled by $37.2M in cash contributions from industry and $25M through the CRC Program.

MRIWA was a key participant, contributing $6 million over 6 years, of which $500,000 was contributed by the Western Australian Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

With headquarters on the campus of FBICRC Core Participant Curtin University in Western Australia, FBICRC’s mandate was to build sovereign capability across the battery value chain, from mineral extraction to battery manufacturing, integration, use, and recycling.

Over its six-year funding term, FBICRC brought together more than 70 partners, including government agencies, research institutions, and leading companies across mining, materials processing, manufacturing, and energy systems. Its activities were strategically designed to enhance Australia’s critical mineral processing and value-adding capabilities; accelerate the commercialisation of emerging battery technologies; build resilient and sustainable supply chains; and foster a skilled, future-ready workforce.

These coordinated efforts have delivered substantial outcomes that underpin future growth and expansion in the sector. The FBICRC’s initiatives have contributed to the development of nationally important infrastructure, informed both federal and state strategies, and fostered partnerships with domestic and international stakeholders.

The FBI CRC ceased operations on the 30 June 2025.

An impact assessment, completed by Consulting & Implementation Services can be located here demonstrating how the work of the FBI CRC has supported the development of a battery industry here in Australia.

Details on individual project which MRIWA were involved in can be found below.

Completed Activities

M0533 – Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre

M10451 – Development of Vanadium Electrolytes

M0533q – Development of a trusted supply chain for Australian battery minerals and products

M0533j – National battery testing facility

M0533k – Super anode proposal

M0533u – Assessment, design and operation of battery-supported electric mining vehicles and machinery

M0533i, M0533v – Benefication and chemical processing of lithium minerals

M0533r – Responsible battery materials: advancing certification and reducing life-cycle impacts

M0533m – Electrochemical testing of Li-ion battery materials in standard cell formats

M0533a – Battery precursor manufacture in Australia

M0533b – The governance of battery value chains

M0533c, M0533d – Process Legacy

M0533g, M0533h – Cathode precursor production pilot plant in Western Australia

M0533e, M0533f – Hydrometallurgical processing for nickel and cobalt ores, concentrates, tailings, wastes