Our Industry Led Research Programs
Geopolitical tensions, rising global demand, and the urgency to establish supply chain resilience make this the ideal moment for Australia to invest in critical mineral processing. Governments and industries worldwide are seeking alternative supply chains, presenting a unique opportunity for Australia to capture more value, secure economic benefits, and strengthen national security.
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This is our chance to create a sovereign refining and processing powerhouse.
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The time to act is now.
PROGRAM 1​
MARKET AND SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
PURPOSE: Identify and prioritise Australia’s best critical metal opportunities through market, environmental, social and governance (ESG) and techno-economic analysis.
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RP1 will identify Australia’s most compelling critical mineral opportunities by analysing market demand, resource availability, ESG considerations, and economic feasibility. It will inform investment and policy decisions that support a globally competitive, sovereign refining industry.
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Program Themes:
1.1 Critical Metal Market Dynamics
1.2 Barrier Identification and Mitigation
1.3 Responsible Resource Development
1.4 Technology Identification and Evaluation
PROGRAM 2​
CRITICAL METAL REFINING AND PRODUCTION
PURPOSE: Develop and pilot next-generation refining and recovery technologies for key critical metals
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RP2 will develop and demonstrate refining technologies to convert Australia’s critical mineral resources and CM-bearing secondary materials into high-purity metal products at a competitive cost.
The program spans the
a) primary extraction,
b) recovery from post-consumer waste, mine and mill
tailings, and
c) metallurgical process waste, using bio-based and modular approaches.
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Program Themes:
2.1 Primary Critical Metal Refining
2.2 Recovery, Co-Product Utilisation & Circular Economy
2.3 Designing and Demonstrating Autonomous, Modular Energy-Integrated Systems
2.4 Integrated Small-Scale Manufacturing
2.5 Biotechnology for Bio-Refining
PROGRAM 3
COMMERCIALISATION & CAPABILITY BUILDING
PURPOSE: Accelerate commercialisation and workforce capability development
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RP3 will systematically address known barriers to accelerate the commercial success of Australian critical minerals technologies. RP3’s workforce and capability development strategy will ensure that education and skills initiatives are grounded in real-world commercialisation and scaling needs, supporting Australia's sovereign industry growth.
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Program Themes:
3.1 Commercial Pathways for CM Production
3.2 Technology-to-Market Acceleration
3.3 Professional Services Ecosystem
3.4 Value Chain Integration
3.5 HDR Training, Workforce & Capability Development
Our Members
We invite you to be part of the CMCI CRC, driving Australia’s transition to be a global leader in critical minerals refining and processing. Together, we can innovate, collaborate, and build sovereign capability, ensuring a resilient supply chain, economic growth and a sustainable future for Australia’s critical minerals sector.
