Australian Government Invests $53 Million in CMCI CRC to Strengthen Critical Minerals Capability
- Mar 6
- 2 min read
The Australian Government has announced $53 million in funding for the Critical Metals for Critical Industries Cooperative Research Centre (CMCI CRC) to support the development of new technologies for refining critical minerals.
Delivered through the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program, the investment will advance the development and commercialisation of innovative refining technologies that strengthen Australia’s ability to process critical minerals essential to clean energy, defence and advanced manufacturing.
Australia is rich in critical minerals and rare earths that are increasingly vital to the global transition to a low-carbon economy. The CMCI CRC will focus its research on high-value minerals, breakthrough technologies and sustainable refining methods, helping expand Australia’s capacity to refine these resources domestically while creating new job and export opportunities.
Dr Jacqui Coombes, Chair of the CMCI CRC, said the announcement marks an important step in building Australia’s capacity to capture more value from its world-class mineral resources.
“Australia’s opportunity lies not only in the resources we have, but in the innovation and collaboration that allow us to refine and manufacture high-value materials here at home,” Dr Coombes said.
Image: Final interview assessment for Round 26 of the CRC Program in Canberra, from November, 2025
Mining3, the Rozetta Institute and CIS supported the successful CMCI CRC bid, helping bring together the research and industry expertise needed to establish the national initiative.
Dr Neville Plint, CEO of Mining3, said the investment highlights the importance of collaborative research in unlocking Australia’s critical minerals potential.
“Investment in collaborative research is essential if Australia is to develop the technologies needed to refine critical minerals domestically and capture greater value from our natural resources,” Dr Plint said.
The funding represents a significant step toward advancing Australia’s capability to refine and process critical minerals onshore and strengthening the nation’s role in emerging global supply chains.
Media contact:
CMCI CRC Secretariat