Australia’s Opportunity as a True Green Iron Manufacturer: Headwinds and Tailwinds

Australia has a unique opportunity to position itself as a global leader in green iron manufacturing. With abundant renewable energy resources, high-quality iron ore reserves, and a strong industrial base, Australia is well-placed to develop a competitive green iron industry that supports both domestic economic growth and global emissions reduction efforts. By leveraging policy support, innovative financing mechanisms, and sustainable industrial practices, Australia can not only reduce its own carbon footprint but also become a key supplier of low-emission iron to international markets. However, significant challenges remain, including the need for infrastructure investment, supply chain transformation, and community engagement.

This event, hosted during Sydney Climate Action Week by World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia and Greenhouse, brings together leading experts, policymakers, and industry representatives to explore the opportunities and challenges of developing a sustainable green iron industry. Join us for an insightful discussion on the policies, financing mechanisms, and industry innovations required to drive Australia’s green iron transition. The event will feature key presentations and panel discussions highlighting both the headwinds and tailwinds in advancing Australia’s green iron road.

Event Schedule:

Part One: Advancing Australia’s Green Iron Road – Policies to Drive Demand and Supply Side

- A geostrategic view of the green iron opportunity - Australia as a partner of choice

- Australia’s trade competitiveness in green iron

- Panel Discussion:

• Australia as a partner of choice
• Financing the green iron transition
• Progress and challenges and policy levers

Break

Part Two: Greening the Iron Supply Chain Requires More than Green Electrons – How Do We Do Green Industry Development Better?

- The nature footprint and material requirements of a green iron industry and doing better for First Nations communities

- Panel Discussion:

• Community benefits and co-ownership models
• First Nations perspectives
• Policy support
• Nature Positive Mining
• Industry development precincts

Networking drinks and nibbles

Speaker Line-Up:

MC: Monica Richter, Senior Manager Low Carbon Futures at WWF-Australia and Director of Materials & Embodied Carbon Leaders’ Alliance.

Georgine Roodenrys – Partner, Climate and Sustainability at Deloitte
Nicole Wyche - Industry Decarbonisation Manager at WWF-Australia
Jun Tong – Principal at Mandala
Rachel Howard – Director of Industrial Decarbonisation at Mission Possible Partnership
Tim Buckley – Director at Climate Energy Finance
Jessica Shaw - Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade (WA)
James Choi – Managing Director at J2 Advisory
Richard Andrews - Chief Executive Officer, Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee (AJBCC) Committee
Hannah Jones – Sustainability Lead at Taylor Thomson & Whitting and MECLA Steel Working Group
Satya Tanner – Managing Director at LAUTEC Group
Matthew Cooke - Queensland First Nations Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Neville Plint – CEO of Mining3
Heidi Lee – CEO at Beyond Zero Emissions


This event will provide a platform to discuss policy interventions, industry collaboration, and community-centred development models necessary for a sustainable green iron industry.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leaders in the field and contribute to shaping Australia’s future as a green manufacturing powerhouse.

Register now to be part of this crucial conversation!

To see all events happening at Climate Action Week Sydney 2025 click here