A substantial new grant from the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub (R&D Hub) is set to revolutionise critical minerals research.
This funding will empower a pioneering CSIRO research program. This program is aimed at advancing critical minerals technology and fostering global collaboration in critical minerals science.
With a $2.5 million investment, the grant will fund a range of strategic initiatives. These initiatives include;
– international R&D collaboration assessments
– targeted projects across critical minerals technologies
– international science exchanges
– scholarship networks, and a
– specialised summer school for critical minerals research involving both domestic and international researchers.
Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Madeleine King, highlighted the grant’s role in strengthening international partnerships and fortifying resilient supply chains for critical minerals. This is particularly important as global dependence on renewable technologies continues to grow.
“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,” King said.
“The valuable work by the R&D Hub will also support the government’s Future Made in Australia ambition, and ensure Australia works with international partners on environmental and social governance standards, commercialisation of research, and intellectual property rights on critical minerals.
“The road to net-zero by 2050 runs through Australia’s resources sector.”
The Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub was established as part of the October 2022 Budget. It’s aim is to unlock Australia’s potential in critical minerals. It operates as a collaborative effort between CSIRO, Geoscience Australia, and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).