Australia’s efforts to lead the global push for green metals production have advanced with the launch of the Green Metals Innovation Network (GMIN), a $10 million initiative jointly led by CSIRO and the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC).
Funded by the Australian Government under the Future Made in Australia agenda, the initiative aims to foster stronger ties between industry and research sectors to develop and deploy low-carbon technologies tailored to the country’s abundant mineral resources and renewable energy potential, the agency said in a news release.
GMIN will focus on supporting Australia’s iron, steel, alumina and aluminium sectors, which currently generate nearly $150 billion annually in exports and provide jobs for close to 200,000 Australians.
CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Doug Hilton said the nation is well-placed to develop a globally competitive green metals industry but underscored the importance of strategic collaboration.
“At CSIRO, we strive to shape technology development that drives low-cost electrification and decarbonisation of our major industries and exports in a competitive, low-carbon global economy,” Dr Hilton said.
“The challenge is immense, but equally there is opportunity here for Australia to be an innovator and to create a future where sustainable energy and mineral resources expand our prosperity.”
The Green Metals Innovation Network will coordinate a national ecosystem focused on accelerating adoption of greener production methods, de-risking the development of new technologies suited to local ore conditions, and identifying ways to reduce costs and improve processing performance.
HILT CRC CEO Jenny Selway said the partnership builds on both organisations’ strengths and will play a critical role in bridging research with real-world industrial outcomes.
“By strengthening collaboration between industry and research, GMIN will help fast-track innovation and technology to address gaps in the low-cost production of green metals including iron, steel, alumina and aluminium, as well as Australia’s transition to net zero,” Selway said.
CSIRO will lead the effort to enhance national capability, support infrastructure, develop talent pipelines, and share knowledge across sectors. The network also aims to define education pathways to support a skilled workforce capable of sustaining the emerging green metals industry.
