Reports and strategies
From minerals to materials: an assessment of Australia’s critical minerals mid-stream processing capabilities
Future report cover: From minerals to materials: an assessment of Australia’s critical minerals mid-stream processing capabilities
CSIRO Futures report cover: From minerals to materials: an assessment of Australia’s critical minerals mid-stream processing capabilities
CSIRO has developed a world-first assessment outlining Australia’s innovation capabilities and research and development opportunities essential for developing a cost-competitive and sustainable mid-stream processing industry manufacturing:
- lithium-ion batteries
- rare earth magnets
- solar photovoltaic (PV).
The report – From minerals to materials: an assessment of Australia’s critical minerals mid-stream processing capabilities – offers foundational insights to guide decision-makers in understanding the technology landscape for processing—from commercially mature technologies to emerging disruptive pathways.
Three RD&D themes were identified as priorities to enable sovereign critical minerals processing across various supply chains:
- Continuous and step change improvements on cost and sustainability
- Maximising RD&D investment returns through cross-cutting capabilities and shared infrastructure
- Integrating research from adjacent fields to support innovation and decision-making
In October 2024, the Hub’s manager Ms Lucy O’Connor gave a briefing to universities along with a briefing from CSIRO on the report. Revisit the presentation in the recorded briefing.
This report was delivered by CSIRO and funded by Department of Industry, Science and Resources Critical Minerals Office and has informed the work of the Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub.
Key Australian reports communicating mid-stream processing objectives:
Australia’s Critical Minerals Strategy 2023-2030
CSIRO Critical Energy Minerals Roadmap
Australian Silicon Action Plan
Charging Ahead: Australia’s battery powered future
Australian State and territory strategies:
Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy
Battery Industry opportunities for Queensland
Western Australia’s Battery and Critical Minerals Strategy 2024-2030
New South Wales Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy 2024-35
Critical Minerals in the Northern Territory
Tasmania Critical Minerals Strategy
