The University of Western Australia is a key research partner in a new research centre bolstering Australia's critical minerals refining sector.
The newly established Critical Metals for Critical Industries Cooperative Research Centre, supported by a $53 million Australian Government investment, will drive the development and commercialisation of new critical minerals refining technologies.
UWA's involvement in the initiative reflects our research strength in critical minerals, processing technologies, sustainability and industry-led innovation.
Image: Professor Marco Fiorentini.
It builds on prior success with initiatives such as the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre and the ARC Training Centre in Critical Resources for the Future.
UWA researchers will contribute across programs that include market analysis, minerals processing innovation and engagement with downstream manufacturing and end users.
Professor Sharon Purchase and Dr Daniel Schepis, from the UWA Business School, will support market identification, sustainability assessment and economic analysis for emerging critical mineral technologies.
Professor Hongqi Sun, Dr Abdul Hannan Asif and Professor George Koutsantonis, from UWA's School of Molecular Science, Professor Ali Karrech, from UWA's School of Engineering, and Professors Marco Fiorentini and Tony Kemp, from UWA's School of Earth and Oceans, will contribute expertise in catalysis, chemistry, engineering and geoscience, with a focus on training researchers to work across the entire critical mineral value chain.
This team will drive technology development for sustainable and efficient refining of lithium, vanadium, cobalt and other high‑value critical metals.
Professors Kemp and Fiorentini will also connect the centre with the UWA International Space Centre, strengthening links to high‑value end users and applications to extra-terrestrial environments.
Professor Allan Trench, from UWA Business School, will be a liaison with the Perth Critical Minerals Exchange (Digital Finance CRC project).
UWA will also provide participants with access to major research capabilities including: the Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis; high-performance computing facilities; chemistry, engineering and geology laboratories; and professional staff support, including risk, finance, contract management, communications and partner engagement.
UWA's contribution also encompasses training and workforce development, including opportunities for Higher Degree by Research students, industry placements, internships and micro credential co design to help develop the specialised workforce required for Australia's critical minerals sector.
