The Australian government has announced a landmark $53 million investment to establish a new research centre aimed at strengthening Australia’s critical minerals refining sector.
The Critical Metals for Critical Industries (CMCI) Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) will drive the development and commercialisation of new refining technologies for high-value minerals like lithium, vanadium and cobalt — materials essential for clean energy, defence and advanced manufacturing.
Funded through the CRC Program, the CMCI CRC will unite Australian scientific expertise with industry capability to advance sustainable refining processes, create high-skilled jobs, and expand the nation’s export potential in the resources sector.
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said the government’s investment reflects its commitment to building a resilient domestic supply chain for critical minerals.
“The Albanese government has shown that it stands firmly with workers, researchers and firms in minerals processing across Australia,” Minister Ayres said.
“Generations of Australians have enjoyed the good fortune of this continent’s rich resource endowment, but the next chapter of mineral refining requires new technologies, new industrial capabilities and new partnerships.
“The CMCI CRC builds on a proud tradition of Australian cooperative research and development to make sure Australia has the good jobs, resilient supply chains and high-quality manufacturing firms needed to tackle national challenges.
“Securing the future of critical minerals for our critical industries is how we realise the economic, social and environmental benefits of a Future Made in Australia, with more solar panels, wind turbines and defence equipment produced onshore.”
The new CMCI CRC will bring together 62 partners, including 43 Australian businesses, 11 research organisations and four peak bodies from the sector.
Collectively, these partners will contribute a further $185 million in support of the initiative.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King said the CMCI CRC represents a key step forward in diversifying supply chains and strengthening Australia’s sovereign capabilities.
“Australia is at the forefront of global efforts to diversify supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths, and the materials the world will increasingly need for clean energy, defence and medical technology,” Minister King said.
“The CMCI CRC will make a valuable contribution to our efforts to build our sovereign capabilities, and to secure jobs and the economic opportunities that flow from our diverse geology.
“The CMCI CRC will bring together industry, government and key research institutions, including the University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Macquarie University and Swinburne University, to further develop and commercialise technology for critical minerals refining.”
The new centre builds upon significant ongoing investments from the federal government, including the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub, which links the expertise of CSIRO, ANSTO, and Geoscience Australia.
Since its inception 35 years ago, the CRC Program has committed $6.1 billion to support 242 CRCs and 297 CRC Projects, with partners investing a further $18.2 billion across industries ranging from manufacturing and agriculture to energy, health and mining.
Round 27 of the CRC Program is now open via www.business.gov.au/crc.
The following round (CRC Round 28) will focus on artificial intelligence, delivering around $50 million for an “AI Accelerator” CRC to advance the development and commercialisation of AI technologies nationwide in 2027.
