The Australian government has announced a $2.5 million grant to fund a new CSIRO research program aimed at advancing critical minerals technology and fostering international collaboration in the field.
This initiative, financed through the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub (R&D Hub), will support a range of activities to strengthen Australia’s position in the global critical minerals sector.
The program will encompass several key components, including:
- An international R&D collaboration scan
- Strategic R&D projects focusing on critical minerals technologies
- International science delegations
- Scholarship networks
- A critical minerals research summer school for domestic and international researchers
Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Madeleine King, emphasised the importance of this investment, stating that it will help strengthen international partnerships and build more resilient supply chains for critical minerals.
As the world increasingly relies on renewable technologies, these minerals play a crucial role in the development of low-emissions technologies.
“Critical minerals research and development is crucial to developing low-emissions technologies such as electric vehicles, storage batteries and solar panels that will help our international partners lower emissions and achieve their climate commitments,” Minister King explained.
The R&D Hub, a government-funded partnership between CSIRO, Geoscience Australia, and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), was established in October 2022 to help unlock Australia’s critical minerals potential.
This latest grant aligns with the government’s “Future Made in Australia” ambition, aiming to position the country as a leader in critical minerals research and development.
The program is expected to contribute significantly to Australia’s efforts in addressing environmental and social governance standards, commercialising research, and managing intellectual property rights related to critical minerals.
In parallel with this new research program, CSIRO is also offering support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the critical minerals sector.
A free 10-week “Innovate to Grow” program has been launched to help SMEs understand how research and development can advance their critical minerals projects.
As the global push towards net-zero emissions by 2050 intensifies, Australia’s resources sector, particularly its critical minerals industry, is poised to play a pivotal role.
This substantial investment in research and development underscores the country’s commitment to leading the charge in sustainable and innovative critical minerals technologies.
