About critical minerals

Australia is uniquely positioned as a global leader in the production and development of critical minerals—materials that are essential for advanced technologies, clean energy, and national security. With abundant natural resources, a robust mining industry, and world-class research institutions like ANU, Australia is at the forefront of both mineral exploration and the innovation needed to transform these resources into sustainable energy solutions.

Critical minerals, such as lithium, rare earth elements (REEs), cobalt, and nickel, are vital components in batteries, electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and military technologies. As global demand for clean energy and high-tech applications rises, Australia’s role in supplying and researching these minerals becomes even more crucial.

Australia holds vast reserves of critical minerals, making it one of the top suppliers of many essential elements worldwide:

  • Lithium: Australia is the world’s largest producer of lithium, a key material for battery technologies.
  • Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Australia is home to significant deposits of rare earth elements, essential for clean energy technologies and electronics.
  • Cobalt: With a growing role in electric vehicle battery production, cobalt is another area of growing strategic importance.

Through partnerships with industry and government ANU is exploring innovative methods to sustainably extract and process these critical minerals to ensure supply security while minimizing environmental impact.

Why it matters

The shift toward renewable energy and sustainable technologies is driving unprecedented demand for critical minerals. Australia’s potential to supply these resources can play a transformative role in the global transition to clean energy. Moreover, research into critical minerals at ANU ensures that we are not only supplying the world but doing so responsibly, with a focus on sustainability, reducing emissions, and protecting the environment.

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