Mineral Minds Meet in Canberra
On 11-12 June, the Hub convened a two-day conference in Canberra for researchers involved in projects funded by the Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub.
Researchers from the three science agencies – ANSTO, CSIRO and Geoscience Australia – have been working collaboratively on projects that are delivering the technical breakthroughs needed to leverage Australian opportunities in the critical minerals sector. Although the project teams have been working together for some time, this was the first opportunity for all Hub researchers to meet in person and share their research findings, connect and brainstorm solutions.
Hub Science Conference attendees at Geoscience Australia
Altogether 60 scientists attended the conference held at the Geoscience Australia offices, providing a unique opportunity for face-to-face connection and collaboration. Representatives from the Critical Mineral Office at the Department of Industry, Science and Resources also attended the event.
The event sparked valuable conversations from across research specialities, helping others problem-solve or share successes to help breakthroughs in work spanning various critical minerals topics. The conference also provided a valuable opportunity for young researchers starting their career in critical minerals to present on their research and build a supportive network of more established scientists and mentors.
While in Canberra, the Hub also had an opportunity to showcase the Clay-hosted Rare Earths Project in a public webinar hosted by Geoscience Australia on Wednesday 12 June.
The format for Day 2 was a professional development segment on using AI and a team hackathon titled ‘Collaboration in the age of AI.’ Teams pitched their research solutions to a judging panel drawn from all three science agencies and the Critical Minerals Office.
Feedback from attendees of the Conference was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting how valuable the opportunity was to network, collaborate and work face to face with their colleagues from across Australia. The Hub hopes to hold a follow-up conference to continue to build on these research connections before projects are completed in March 2026.
