New report illuminates path to growing Australia's critical minerals processing industry
The CSIRO has released a new report emphasizing the importance of research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) investment and international collaboration to establish a domestic refining industry for these critical minerals in Australia.
The demand for minerals essential to energy transition technologies has surged, doubling in the past five years to reach US$320 billion, driven largely by the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy installations according to the CSIRO.
There response report From minerals to materials: an assessment of Australia's critical minerals mid-stream processing capabilities marks the first comprehensive assessment of the innovation needed to build a mid-stream processing industry in Australia. It details current capabilities and opportunities for RD&D and international cooperation across several key minerals, including lithium, cobalt, silicon, rare earth elements, and graphite.
The report aims to simplify investment and policy decision-making by detailing the available processing technology options for producing essential materials. These include lithium-ion batteries for electric cars, rare earth magnets for electric cars and wind turbines, and components for solar photovoltaic systems.
Max Temminghoff, Minerals Lead at CSIRO Futures, noted that the report provides "an optimistic outlook, providing insights into current RD&D capabilities and a pathway forward." He stressed the need for innovation and coordinated efforts among industry, research entities, and government to enhance mid-stream processing competitiveness in Australia.
Australia is well-positioned with its rich resources and advanced mid-stream capabilities. By focusing on innovation and collaboration, the nation can meet the increasing international demand for minerals crucial to the energy transition, strengthening its position in critical mineral processing.
The report, funded by the Critical Minerals Office in the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, will also inform the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub. This initiative, supported by a $50.5 million investment, brings together leading Australian science agencies—ANSTO, CSIRO, and Geoscience Australia—to drive the development and commercialization of critical mineral processing technologies.
Lucy O’Connor, Manager of the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub, highlighted the role of R&D in advancing Australia's critical mineral processing potential. She pointed out that "we need to ensure research is targeted to industry problems and outcomes and can be developed into commercially applicable technologies."
Australia's wealth of critical mineral resources and its established mid-stream processing capabilities position it to move beyond merely mining and exporting these minerals. With the right focus on RD&D and international collaboration, Australia can develop high-value processing and manufacturing industries to support the global energy transition.
