Research
The Hub funds collaborative scientific research projects conducted by the three lead agencies – Geoscience Australia, CSIRO and ANSTO – additional to extensive research programs already underway in each agency.
The projects are designed to deliver the technical breakthroughs needed to leverage Australian opportunities in the critical minerals sector.
There are currently seven Hub-funded projects, four announced October 2022 (Tranche 1) and a further three January 2024 (Tranche 2).
These high-priority projects were selected after extensive consultation between three science agencies and the Critical Minerals Office, Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
| Project name | Lead agency | Aim |
| Tranche 1 – 2023-2026 | ||
| Mineral Criticality Assessment | Geoscience Australia | Objective assessment of Australia’s mineral needs and vulnerabilities |
| High Purity Silica (HPS) Mineral Potential Assessment | Geoscience Australia, supported by ANSTO | Advance knowledge and economic potential of HPS deposits and regions |
| HPS Process and Product Development | ANSTO | Develop processing and reprocessing routes for key silica input sources |
| High Purity Alumina (HPA) | CSIRO | Examine alternative routes to HPA from various feedstocks to reduce costs and emissions |
| Tranche 2 – 2024-2026 | ||
| Critical Mineral By-Product Potential | Geoscience Australia, supported by ANSTO and CSIRO | Establish feasibility of a domestic industry for by-product minerals such as Ga, Ge, In |
| REE Mineral Potential Assessment | ANSTO, supported by GA and CSIRO | Accelerate discovery, extraction and processing of REE in developing Australian lower grade deposits |
| Metallisation | CSIRO, supported by GA and ANSTO | Develop Australian IP and know-how to support high purity metals and minerals |
