CSIRO partners up to grow green metals industry

A new $10 million initiative has been launched to grow Australia’s domestic green metals sector for the iron, steel, alumina and aluminium industries.

The Green Metals Innovation Network (GMIN), a partnership between CSIRO and the Heavy Industry Low-Carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC), is focused on creating a nationally coordinated approach to green metals.

It aims to place Australia as a global leader in the supply of value-added materials for the expanding net-zero economy.

“Green metals will be central to the nation’s economic future. Current annual exports of ores and manufactured products in the iron, steel, alumina and aluminium sectors are valued at almost $150 billion and the sectors employ almost 200,000 people,” the CSIRO said in a statement.

It added the network will coordinate an ecosystem of research, innovation and capacity building to accelerate the rate green metals process routes are adopted; de-risk the development of new technologies for Australian conditions; and explore how to lower operational costs and improve processing capabilities.

CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Doug Hilton said the launch of this network will give Australia the right tools to create new, low-carbon industries.

“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.

HILT CRC CEO Jenny Selway said the CRC will help co-manage the network to make the connections between technology and industry.

“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.