Queensland has cemented its position in Australia’s resources sector, with the Critical Metals for Critical Industries Cooperative Research Centre selecting Brisbane as the location for its national base.
The nation-leading research hub will operate from the University of Queensland’s Brisbane City campus, establishing a central collaboration point for industry operators, academic researchers, and government bodies.
The centre aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of next-generation processing technologies, helping Australia refine and value-add to its mineral wealth domestically before exporting raw materials.
Initial technical projects at the centre will target processing opportunities in vanadium, before expanding research into copper, rare earth elements, lithium, and tellurium.
The announcement follows the rollout of the state government’s Delivering Queensland’s Critical Minerals Future 2026-30 strategy, backed by a AU$146 million allocation in the 2026-27 state budget.
This funding includes AU$100 million dedicated to the Queensland Critical Minerals Fund through the Queensland Investment Corporation to kick-start regional processing initiatives.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said establishing the national hub in Brisbane aligns with state efforts to unlock Queensland’s 51 identified critical minerals and expand local supply chains.
“We are building our capability to process, refine and commercialise our critical mineral resources right here in Queensland, ensuring our state captures more value from our resources here at home,” Last said.
“The new Cooperative Research Centre will help connect researchers, manufacturers, investors and industry to fast-track new technologies, helping turn innovative ideas into commercial outcomes.”
Critical Metals for Critical Industries Cooperative Research Centre CEO Dr Neville Plint noted that the Brisbane hub will link local talent with international markets.
“The Brisbane Hub extends our national reach,” Dr Plint said.
“Success means more than discovering resources. It means developing the refining technologies, skills and supply chains that capture more value in Australia.”
