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Issue 27: 24 August 2022

Critical minerals essential for modern life

Leader's comment

Critical point

The success of the global energy transformation relies heavily on the mineral resources sector, we will see an increase in demand for minerals to deliver into the manufacturing supply chain for the key technologies that the world needs. ROB HOUGH writes

Blockchain

Certifying future minerals trade

Soon after Russia invaded Ukraine, a team from Everledger—the commercial company that was first to track the world’s diamonds—got together. Over the space of a weekend, they updated their platform to allow their clients to choose to exclude diamonds within their network originating from or passing through Russia. TIM THWAITES reports

Global energy transition

Australia’s role in the critical minerals essential for our energy transition

CSIRO experts explain the roadblocks, the challenges and the opportunities that Australia’s resources sector will face, in the fast-shifting market for the metals that play a vital role in the worldwide transition to renewable energy. FRAN MOLLOY investigates

Metal manufacturing

Additive manufacturing and critical minerals come together at CSIRO’s Lab22

CSIRO established Lab22 with a vision to grow a new manufacturing industry as Australia’s Centre for Additive Innovation. From day one, critical minerals have been key. JANE NICHOLLS reports

In case you missed it...

A brief history of critical minerals

They are the very definition of a modern hot commodity. JANE NICHOLLS reports on how governments decide what minerals are added to the critical minerals list, and why it’s a brilliant opportunity for the Australian resources industry.

Meeting demand for graphite anodes

Most of us become familiar with graphite as early as primary school: it’s what you find running through the core of a pencil. It’s also a key component of brakes, lubricants, fire retardants, inks, electronics and - most crucially - batteries. RUTH DAWKINS writes

Mineral exploration to secure green energy future

CSIRO estimates more than AUD$5 trillion of metals will be needed by 2050 to construct technologies for the green energy transition. Of that, over half is slated to come from critical minerals. DIANA TAYLOR reports

Australia-Indian critical minerals partnership

An alliance with Australia is set to help India realise their net zero emissions plans by offering a secure, stable supply of the critical minerals they need for the technologies to achieve it. TIMOTHY CONNELL writes

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