State Batteries were government-owned and controlled plants of machinery and equipment used for the treatment and processing of ore containing gold or other valuable metals. State Batteries would pay prospectors and holders of small mines for their deposits. The expansion of the Goldfields during the 1890's was the major factor behind the government establishing such plants.

The first State Battery was set up in Norseman in 1898. The Kalgoorlie plant was established in 1932 and became the biggest of the 54 plants operating throughout Western Australia. During the 1980's, the Burke government began closing down remaining State Batteries and the Kalgoorlie plant was closed in 1987.