Tag: critical minerals

Australian-headquartered explosives company Dyno Nobel has unveiled a prototype autonomous system designed to automate drill and blast processes at mining sites, potentially reducing the need for workers to enter high-risk blast zones.

The Queensland Government has welcomed an offtake agreement that will see US tin refiner Nathan Trotter & Co purchase up to 100 per cent of production from Huntore Australia’s Mount Garnet polymetallic operation in far north Queensland.

Construction has begun on the Alcoa-Sojitz Gallium Recovery Project in Western Australia, with the Australian Government describing the development as a step towards strengthening domestic manufacturing and critical minerals supply chains.

Strong industry interest in a proposed Western Australian defence and advanced manufacturing hub has prompted the State Government to begin assessing 179 Expressions of Interest (EOIs), with the project expected to support local manufacturing capability, defence supply chains and future industry development.

The Queensland Government has released a new strategy aimed at expanding the State's critical minerals sector, outlining plans to accelerate the extraction, processing and export of critical minerals while positioning Queensland as a globally recognised supplier for secure supply chains.

Monash University has launched a new cross-disciplinary research initiative focused on strengthening Australia's critical minerals capability, as global demand for the resources is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades.

The Queensland Government has announced that Vecco Group has been secured as the foundation customer for the Queensland Resources Common User Facility (QRCUF) in Townsville following the completion of major construction, marking a milestone for the state's critical minerals processing and advanced manufacturing sector.

Australia’s mining sector is entering a defining decade. Coordination between government and industry is strengthening, particularly around critical minerals and long-term supply. This is supporting a more stable outlook and reinforcing the role mining will play in Australia’s economic growth. 

Researchers at The University of Queensland say engineered “super fungi” could offer a lower-impact method for recovering critical minerals from mining waste, while also contributing to site remediation efforts.

Australian governments have committed a further $105 million to support critical minerals processing and manufacturing capability at Nyrstar's Hobart and Port Pirie smelters, backing continued operations while future investment options are assessed.