The Western Australian government has announced a significant investment in rare earth elements (REE) research, aiming to establish Western Australia as a global leader in the critical minerals sector.
The Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) has awarded $175,000 to a collaborative study led by RSC, partnering with Curtin University and several mining companies.
This research initiative builds upon previous MRIWA-supported studies that identified valuable REEs and strategic elements such as gallium and niobium in clay-hosted mineral deposits across Western Australia.
The new study will focus on the mineral-rich Yilgarn region, with the goal of unlocking high-value critical mineral resources for emerging industries and advanced processing opportunities.
The project’s scope includes:
- Establishing a new rare earth province in Western Australia
- Developing environmentally friendly extraction methods
- Exploring potential processing and purification techniques for REEs
Future stages of the project may involve setting up test facilities to further advance the local rare earth industry, solidifying Western Australia’s position in the global critical minerals market.
Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael emphasised the importance of this research, stating: “Western Australia’s leadership in minerals research gives this state a unique opportunity to play a key role in decarbonising the critical minerals supply chain.”
He added that the collaboration between government, industry, and universities demonstrates the WA government’s commitment to fostering a responsible and sustainable minerals industry.
This initiative aligns with Western Australia’s broader strategy to support the global energy transition through its abundant rare earth resources.
By focusing on sustainable extraction methods and advanced processing techniques, the state aims to strengthen its position as an innovative and responsible leader in the mining sector.
As the demand for rare earth elements continues to grow, driven by their crucial role in renewable energy technologies and advanced electronics, Western Australia’s investment in this research could have far-reaching implications for the global supply chain of critical minerals.
