By Stefan Skorut Amid the general enthusiasm for the Trump-Albanese critical minerals deal, it’s vital for policymakers to be aware that the potential benefits could be wasted if Australia does not continue to support our globally leading innovation. The highly anticipated $US 8.5 billion deal aims to address a key feature of critical minerals markets:…
The Australian and Canadian resources ministers have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Critical Minerals Collaboration, which they say will “promote and strengthen cooperation and trade in critical minerals value chains” between the two countries. According to a statement from Australian resources minister Madeleine King on Saturday (Australian time), the declaration of intent signed…
A new seven-year Cooperative Research Centre, the Additive Manufacturing CRC, was officially launched at an event at Boeing Aerostructures Australia’s Port Melbourne facility on Wednesday. The successful CRC bid was awarded $58 million in federal funding in April. According to the AMCRC, funding from partner organisations – with over 70 industry, research and other participants…
By Amir Razmjou, Edith Cowan University Critical minerals are having a moment. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is at the White House to talk up Australia’s rich deposits with President Donald Trump. China, which has a global stranglehold on rare earth elements, recently imposed new export restrictions, much to Trump’s annoyance. It’s clear there’s an era…
A plan by Alcoa and others to produce gallium alongside alumina at an existing Western Australian refinery has received a boost, with the Australian government making a $307 million financial commitment in the Alcoa-Sojitz Gallium Recovery Project in Wagerup following the meeting of the US’s and Australia’s leadership. A Joint Development Agreement by the Japan…
By Roy Green Readers of @AuManufacturing will be familiar with John Howard’s prodigious contribution to public policy debate on the evolution of our national research and innovation system. His deep understanding of both the theoretical underpinnings and practical application of policy in this area was reflected in his recent book, Thinking in public: Australia’s missing…
A 50-day upgrade program begins this week at the Port Pirie smelter run by Nyrstar – which was recently awarded $135 million in federal and state funding to save its two Australian sites – with $80 million to be invested in shoring up the long-term competitiveness of the multi-metals processing facility. According to a statement…
Following reports this week that federal industry minister Tim Ayres and Queensland regional development minister Dale Last were to announce a bailout for Glencore’s Mount Isa Copper Smelter and Townsville Refinery, the size and structure of the support have been shared. Ayres (pictured) announced on Wednesday that the funding will amount to $600 million, split…
Consultation has begun on the federal government’s National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy, following the announcement last month of $1.1 billion in funding for low-carbon liquid fuels. According to a statement from agriculture minister Julie Collins on Thursday, bioenergy will be “an important part” of decarbonising the economy, and that it requires a consistent supply of feedstocks,…
The Whyalla Steelworks, which is currently up for sale, is looking for approximately 60 skilled workers in “fitting, machinist, mechanical, instrumentation, electrical and fabricating trades” for an immediate start. According to a joint statement from federal industry minister Tim Ayres and South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas on Wednesday, the site has taken on “more than…