Critical minerals
Critical minerals are essential for the future of clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and national security. At the Australian National University, we are at the forefront of critical minerals research, innovation, and policy development. Our expertise spans geochemistry, geodynamics, geology, geophysical imaging, mineralogy and metallurgical extraction, positioning ANU as a leader in addressing Australia’s critical minerals challenges.
Critical minerals face supply risks due to their scarcity, geopolitical distribution, and environmental challenges. As global demand for clean energy and high-tech industries rises, securing a stable and sustainable supply of critical minerals has become a strategic priority.
Extinct volcanoes a 'rich' source of rare earth elements
New research from ANU and the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences finds rare earth elements concentrated in iron-rich magma from extinct volcanoes, offering a promising new source for these critical materials used in clean energy and high-tech devices.
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The new oil: critical minerals, rare earths, and the clean energy transition
John Marvrogenes and Hayley Channer discuss Australia's rare earths and critical minerals landscape in this episode of the ANU National Security Podcast.
Listen nowOur research
Research explores the formation of critical metal deposits and the composition of Earth's crust, atmosphere, and biosphere to understand early Earth and life evolution.
Geodynamic processes shape Earth’s chemistry, concentrating elements into regions that form ore deposits. We use these insights to guide mineral exploration.
Geophysics uses imaging techniques like seismic tomography and magnetotellurics to reveal Earth's underground structure, temperature, and composition.
By understanding how critical elements are transported and concentrated in the crust we can develop extraction techniques based on reversing these processes.
Our team
Learn more about the ANU experts helping to shape Australia's role in the field of critical minerals.
Networks & partners
The ANU Research School of Earth Sciences (RSES) works through a strong network of national and international partnerships to advance critical minerals research—a field essential for sustainable technology and the shift to clean energy. This network includes universities, government agencies, and industry leaders, all contributing to new solutions for mineral exploration, extraction, and processing.
Key partners, such as Geoscience Australia and CSIRO, collaborate with RSES on groundbreaking research in mineral mapping, supply chain development, and sustainable practices. RSES also partners closely with industry players, including Dreadnought Resources, Lynas Rare Earths, MMG, Encounter Resources, WA1 Resources, and Ionic Rare Earths, aligning academic insights with practical applications.
RSES collaborates closely with the EarthByte Group on global geodynamical modeling projects.
ANU is a key partner in the ARC Training Centre in Critical Resources, alongside The University of Western Australia, The University of Adelaide, and The University of Queensland.
Executive education
This new two-day program examines the strategic importance of critical minerals to Australia’s interests. Co-delivered by the ANU National Security College and the ANU Research School of Earth Sciences.
News & events
New research from ANU and the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences finds rare earth elements concentrated in iron-rich magma from extinct volcanoes, offering a promising new source for these critical materials used in clean energy and high-tech devices.
ABC Four Corners investigates the new critical minerals mining boom and finds Australia is in the box seat to exploit a surge in worldwide demand.
REECON23 addressed challenges particular to the Australian rare earth industry, such as geopolitics, geology, off-take agreements, economics, finance, environment, metallurgy and recycling.
John Marvrogenes and Hayley Channer discuss Australia's rare earths and critical minerals landscape in this episode of the ANU National Security Podcast.
The 2022 ANU Australian Rare Earth Conference focussed on geology and mineralogy of Australian ore systems, but will also include sessions on processing technologies and market dynamics.