Hazer Group has extended its non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Japanese trading giant Mitsui & Co, Ltd (Tokyo, Japan), pushing forward joint efforts to explore potential markets for Hazer’s low-emissions graphite. 

The agreement, which builds on the original MOU announced on 16 November 2022, will now continue for another year, with automatic renewals unless terminated by either party, as revealed in an ASX announcement. 

The partnership leverages Mitsui’s extensive global network to evaluate the applications of Hazer’s graphite in steel manufacturing, chemicals, and other sectors. 

Hazer has already conducted positive market analysis, identifying promising segments for its graphite, including iron and steel production, thermal energy storage, and water purification.

“We are excited to be extending our strategic partnership with Mitsui,” said Hazer’s CEO and Managing Director, Glenn Corrie. 

“Hazer’s technology is unique in that it produces both low-cost, clean hydrogen as well as a low-emissions graphite product.”

Initial investigations have pointed to a variety of applications for Hazer’s graphite:

• Steel Manufacturing: Hazer’s graphite demonstrates suitability for both traditional blast furnaces and emerging green-steel processes, owing to its structured composition and iron inclusion.
• Thermal Energy Storage: Its excellent thermal conductivity and stability make it an efficient medium for heat transfer.
• Water Purification: Hazer’s graphite has shown potential for enhanced PFAS removal, a growing environmental concern.
• Construction Materials: The graphite is also being evaluated for asphalt, bitumen, and concrete production.

According to Corrie, the collaboration with Mitsui helps Hazer access challenging markets and critical industries where decarbonisation solutions are in high demand. 

“In light of increased global awareness around the vulnerability of critical mineral supply chains, this is a clear value differentiator for Hazer’s technology in the methane pyrolysis space,” he added.

As part of the extended agreement, the two companies will move forward with further product evaluation and larger sample testing from Hazer’s Commercial Demonstration Plant (CDP). 

Both companies will also engage with potential buyers to establish volumes, pricing frameworks, and potential offtake agreements.

“Through this important partnership with Mitsui, we have jointly identified markets that offer a good fit for our graphite, and discussions are ongoing to establish volume, pricing ranges, and potential offtake opportunities,” Corrie explained.

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The Australian Government is positioning Dubbo as a central hub in its strategy to enhance Australia’s critical minerals and rare earths industry in New South Wales. 

This initiative includes a funding boost for Australian Strategic Materials Limited (ASM), a key player in the sector, the government Australian Strategic Materials Limitedin a media statement.

Under the International Partnerships in Critical Minerals Program, the Commonwealth will provide $5 million to ASM to fund up to 50 per cent of a study aimed at discovering more efficient refining methods for rare earths at its mine and processing plant. 

This funding builds on a $6.5 million grant from last year’s Critical Minerals Development Program, which supports mining, separation, and refining processes at the Dubbo project.

ASM has also received a non-binding Letter of Interest from the Export-Import Bank of the United States for up to US$600 million to assist with project construction. 

Additionally, Export Finance Australia has provided a letter of support for $200 million in debt funding.

The Dubbo Project is set to produce critical minerals, including zirconium, niobium, and hafnium, along with various rare earth elements, many of which are vital to the defence industry. 

The project is expected to create up to 1,000 local jobs during construction and approximately 270 permanent positions once operational.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Madeleine King, emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting the critical minerals and rare earths industry. 

“Government support to refine rare earths is important for our sovereign capabilities and will help our trading partners meet their economic, national security, and emission reduction commitments,” she stated.

Further backing will come from the Albanese Government’s plan to introduce Production Tax Incentives for critical minerals processing.

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The Australian Aluminium Council has reiterated its demand for the inclusion of bauxite, alumina, and aluminium on Australia’s Critical Minerals list, following a new report that outlines escalating risks to the sector.

The report, titled “Vulnerabilities & Opportunities in Australia’s Upstream Aluminium Sectors,” highlights the increasing threats to Australia’s domestic upstream supply chain, which are exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, rising costs, and prolonged regulatory processes.

According to the council, incorporating these materials into the Critical Minerals list would not only bolster the Australian industry and create jobs but also convey a strong message to international trading partners about Australia’s commitment to maintaining its critical role in supplying bauxite, alumina, and aluminium—essential components for a low-carbon transition.

Marghanita Johnson, CEO of the Australian Aluminium Council, stated, “The current inclusion of aluminium on Australia’s Strategic Mineral List acknowledges the metal’s importance in the transition to net zero but does not come with much-needed policy support.”

She noted that the existing list is essentially a “watchlist” of minerals that might qualify as Critical Minerals but are not currently deemed vulnerable to disruption.

Johnson stressed the urgency of protecting the aluminium industry, warning against repeating the experience of other critical minerals. 

“We do not want aluminium to become the new nickel, which, until early this year, was also classified as a Strategic Mineral. The Government’s decision to move it to the Critical Minerals list in February was too little, too late,” she said.

The report also highlights that in the past 18 months, three alumina refineries have been impaired, and one has been curtailed, underscoring the need for government intervention. 

“The industry has been vocal in urging the Australian Government to recognise the growing threats to our bauxite and alumina sectors,” Johnson added.

According to the council, as Indonesian refineries prepare to expand alumina capacity by six million tonnes over the next five years, Australia faces mounting challenges, including rising capital, labour, and energy costs, along with protracted regulatory approvals. 

Johnson remarked, “One of the greatest cost increases expected over the next five years will come from delays in environmental approvals, limiting access to bauxite for our alumina refineries. Indonesia can approve and build an integrated bauxite mine and alumina refinery faster than Australia can approve a bauxite mine.”

To address these pressing issues, the Council urges the Australian Government to:

• Immediately include bauxite, alumina, and aluminium on Australia’s Critical Minerals list, acknowledging the vulnerability of the integrated sector and its significance to both domestic and global supply chains.
• Streamline environmental approvals for bauxite mines and alumina refineries, balancing environmental protection with commercial realities and economic benefits.
• Support the aluminium sector’s critical role in the global green economy, as Australia’s alumina and aluminium are vital for transitioning to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

The report “Vulnerabilities & Opportunities in Australia’s Upstream Aluminium Sectors” is available for public access.

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A new report by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, emphasises the crucial role of research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) investment and international collaboration in positioning Australia as a leader in the global energy transition.

The report offers a comprehensive assessment of the innovation needed in critical minerals refining to build a sovereign mid-stream processing industry in Australia, the agency said in a news release.

The demand for energy transition minerals has surged to USD 320 billion over the past five years, driven by the rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and the expanding deployment of solar and wind energy technologies.

The CSIRO report provides detailed insights into the current capabilities and opportunities for RD&D and international cooperation across key minerals including lithium, cobalt, silicon, rare earth elements, and graphite.

By analysing processing technology options for critical materials—such as lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, rare earth magnets for EVs and wind turbines, and solar PVs—the report aims to guide investment and policy decisions.

Max Temminghoff, Minerals Lead at CSIRO Futures, highlighted that the report supports Australia’s transition from mining and shipping to higher value processing and manufacturing.

“This report presents an optimistic outlook, providing insights into current RD&D capabilities and a pathway forward,” Temminghoff stated.

“Australia has a rich endowment of critical minerals and world-leading capabilities in several mid-stream activities.

“To become competitive in mid-stream processing, promoting innovation, coordinating efforts across industry, research and government and international collaboration are essential,” Temminghoff remarked.

Dr Rob Hough, CSIRO’s Mineral Resources Director, noted the report’s timeliness.

“This report showcases Australia’s technical strengths and homegrown capabilities, presenting opportunities for significant innovation and international partnerships,” Dr Hough said.

Lucy O’Connor, manager of the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub, emphasised the pivotal role of R&D in realising Australia’s potential in critical mineral processing.

“We need to ensure that research addresses industry challenges and can be developed into commercially viable technologies,” O’Connor remarked.

She remarked, “This report provides essential information for industry, international partners, and investors to identify opportunities and address technical bottlenecks in developing integrated supply chains for critical minerals.”

Funded by the Critical Minerals Office in the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the report will also inform the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub, a $50.5 million initiative that unites Australia’s leading science agencies—ANSTO, CSIRO, and Geoscience Australia.

For further details, download the full report.

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Queensland’s burgeoning critical minerals industry is on display to the world with the launch of two new initiatives.

The Queensland Critical Minerals Prospectus showcases projects ready for investment at different mining stages.

This information is complemented by details of Queensland’s critical mineral sector, including known endowments, and the actions the Miles Government is taking to accelerate the development of this sector.

The prospectus is backed by the Critical Minerals Investor Hub, a new online tool connecting potential investors with government agencies as well as proponents of projects already in development.

Profiling and promoting Queensland is a key action from the $315 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy.

Queensland is rich in the critical mineral resources needed to make the technologies required to make the shift towards a greener low-emission economy.

“Queensland is in the box seat to capitalise on the global push to decarbonise because quite simply, we’ve won the geological lottery,” said Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart.

He continued, “Our message is simple: there’s no better place to invest in critical minerals than in Queensland. We have the critical minerals below the ground and our ambition is to go beyond just mining these resources but to also process them and manufacture the renewable energy technologies like wind turbines, solar panels, and storage batteries right here in Queensland.”

“We are already working with proponents to make this industry a reality but the prospectus we’ve launched is about building on that momentum,” Stewart added.

“That’s why we’ve also launched the Critical Minerals Investor Hub, a one-stop portal for those wanting to make Queensland a part of their investment portfolio. Through the portal, investors can get in touch with key stakeholders across the government and proponents with critical minerals projects in different stages of development. There’s never been a better time to be a part of the next chapter in Queensland’s resources chapter,” he stated.

Richmond Vanadium Technology Managing Director Jon Price echoed Stewart’s enthusiasm: “With the vast resources across Queensland and the opportunity for the Australian resource sector to be at the forefront of the global energy transition, the Queensland Government should be commended for developing the $315 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy and providing key infrastructure to progress the critical minerals industry.”

Price further emphasised, “The launch of the Queensland Critical Minerals Prospectus will increase global exposure and interest in Queensland projects and lead to important introductions to key investment stakeholders.”

“Richmond Vanadium Technology looks forward to showcasing our Richmond Julia Creek Project in North Queensland, one of the world’s largest vanadium oxide deposits, via the Critical Minerals Investor Hub, a great initiative in supporting the development of the Queensland critical minerals industry,” added Price.

The Queensland Critical Minerals Prospectus and the Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy are now accessible online, along with the new Critical Minerals Investor Hub.

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A new grant from the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub (R&D Hub) will support a CSIRO research program designed to advance critical minerals technology and enhance international collaboration in the field.

In particular, the $2.5 million grant will support an international R&D collaboration scan, strategic R&D projects focusing on critical minerals technologies, international science delegations, scholarship networks, and a critical minerals research summer school for both domestic and international researchers.

Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King emphasised the importance of the grant in fortifying international partnerships and establishing more resilient supply chains for critical minerals, especially as the world increasingly depends on renewable technologies.

“Critical minerals research and development is crucial to developing low-emissions technologies such as electric vehicles, storage batteries, and solar panels that will help our international partners lower emissions and achieve their climate commitments,” Minister King stated.

She further highlighted that the initiatives spearheaded by the R&D Hub would contribute to the government’s Future Made in Australia ambition, ensuring that Australia collaborates with international partners on environmental and social governance standards, commercialisation of research, and intellectual property rights related to critical minerals.

“The road to net zero by 2050 runs through Australia’s resources sector,” Minister King added.

The Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub, unveiled in the October 2022 Budget, aims to unlock Australia’s critical minerals potential.

The R&D Hub is a government-funded partnership that includes CSIRO, Geoscience Australia, and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

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Article by Peter Nakos, Manufacturing, Logistics, Energy and Utilities (MLEU) Industry Lead, Cognizant Australia

The Future Made in Australia program was a centrepiece of the Albanese government’s Federal Budget this year. One of the program’s main aims is to position Australia as a global leader in manufacturing in modern industries such as renewable energy, critical minerals processing, and quantum computing.

It is the first industrial policy in Australia in decades, and the government pledges to invest at least $22.7 billion to increase manufacturing over the next decade.

The government argues that there are many reasons to ensure a larger industrial base in the country. Last year, conflicts, shortages, and accidents highlighted how fragile global supply chains still are, even after the efforts made post-pandemic. Dependence on other countries in critical areas, such as solar panels and the concentration of production in a few nations are also motivators for the plan.

Central to the Future Made in Australia initiative is the investment in renewable energy industries, including hydrogen, solar power, battery storage systems, and green metals. The policy intends to secure well-paid jobs in Australia by investing in these industries.

While the government will spearhead this initiative, including provisions for loans and other forms of support, this push must primarily come from the private sector.

To fully capitalise on this initiative, investors and businesses will have to adopt specific strategies to thrive in this evolving landscape:

Resilient and Sustainable Operations: Manufacturers must devise tailored innovative solutions to bolster resilience against global uncertainty and climate change. Effective use of digital technologies can lead to efficiency improvements through data and analytics. Smart factories can proactively monitor and predict maintenance opportunities, optimising costs and enhancing performance. This approach facilitates agile, insight-driven decision-making, replacing reactive responses. For example, Ford Motors uses big data analytics to optimise production processes and anticipate market demand, allowing real-time adjustments based on consumer preferences and economic indicators.

Responsive Supply Chains: Recent pandemics, geopolitical developments, and environmental disruptions have impacted supply chains. Investments in technologies that enhance supply chain transparency and planning capabilities have surged. Integrating technologies like digital twins, blockchain, and data analytics can improve supply chain agility and resilience. This enhances traceability and transparency, allowing swift adaptation to and addressing of disruptions, ensuring product quality and safety even during economic uncertainties.

IT-OT Convergence: Manufacturers often maintain separate information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems with distinct technology and data landscapes. However, advancing towards IT-OT convergence ensures visibility and improved decision-making across the manufacturing landscape. This convergence allows for innovative business models fully integrated with business systems, realising the full benefits of smart manufacturing. By integrating IT and OT, manufacturers can create a cohesive system that streamlines operations and enhances efficiency, leading to superior overall performance and reduced operational costs.

Adoption of New-Age Technologies: Leveraging digital technology is crucial for fostering practical innovation. The swift adoption of cloud and digital technologies in response to COVID-19 has optimised processes and transformed operations. Generative AI has enabled benefits in design and engineering, quality control, predictive maintenance, and contact centre automation. Manufacturers have also expanded services directly to end consumers using cloud-based tools, while AR/VR technologies and digital twin simulations have facilitated secure and efficient workforce training. Embracing these technologies allows manufacturers to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge in the global market.

Connected Factories: The Internet of Things (IoT) has been applied in manufacturing for over a decade. Early adopters like HP, Tesla, Ford, Airbus, and Boeing have realised innovative products and services using IoT. IoT boosts productivity, reduces downtime, enables predictive maintenance, eliminates waste, and enhances safety. Connected factories can significantly improve operational efficiency and reduce costs, making them a critical component of modern manufacturing strategies.

Taking Firm Steps Towards a Thriving Future: Economic uncertainty is a reality for manufacturers. However, by embracing new business models, leveraging digital technologies, and focusing on efficiency and sustainability, the manufacturing industry can not only survive but thrive. The Future Made in Australia means that manufacturers that start now to build the foundations for generative AI will benefit from quicker, more informed decisions, and a more resilient and productive business. By taking proactive steps to adapt to changing market conditions and technological advancements, manufacturers can secure their position in the global economy.

The “Future Made in Australia” policy represents a bold vision for the country’s economic future. By investing in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, upgrading infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships, Australia is well-positioned to become a commerce capital. Manufacturers that adopt these innovative strategies will be at the forefront of this transformation, driving success and growth in an increasingly competitive and uncertain global market.

The post What Australia needs to do for a “Future Made Down Under” appeared first on Australian Manufacturing.

Queensland’s renewable energy sector and manufacturing industry are set to receive a boost with the Vecco Critical Minerals Project moving closer to fruition after gaining coordinated project status.

This declaration from Queensland’s Coordinator-General now clears the path for multiple environmental approvals, the government said in a media statement.

The $798 million initiative involves constructing an open-cut mine approximately 70km north of Julia Creek, along with a critical minerals processing plant.

This plant will supply minerals for the local manufacture of rechargeable batteries in Townsville, essential for grid-scale energy storage.

Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace emphasised Queensland’s renewable energy leadership: “Queensland’s status as a world leader in renewable energy is built on our abundant natural resources and skilled workforce.|

She continued, “We can further enhance this status through an exciting proposal with the potential to expand the North West’s critical minerals industry and generate local manufacturing jobs.”

With demand for battery storage expected to increase tenfold by 2030, the project is a significant opportunity for Queensland to lead in energy storage technologies.

Grace added, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Queensland to become a driving force in the development, manufacture, and deployment of new energy storage technologies.”

“Our regions are uniquely set up to support the shift to new, high-value industries including battery development, which will shape Queensland’s economic future.”

Queensland Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan outlined the importance of progressing such projects responsibly: “It is important we facilitate and responsibly progress projects that help transition Queensland’s economy and provide pathways to realise the potential for new industry and new jobs creation as we move towards the State’s low emissions targets.”

Coggan underscored community involvement in the process: “The community and stakeholders should have a say in evaluating the economic, social, and environmental effects. The coordinated project declaration allows this to happen in a consistent and considered way.”

Vecco Group Managing Director Thomas Northcott highlighted the growing demand for vanadium flow batteries: “Demand for vanadium flow batteries is rapidly increasing to meet the world’s energy storage demands.”

“Australia’s demand for medium and deep duration storage by 2045 has been estimated at over 100GWh by the market operator. Vanadium flow batteries made right here in Townsville from Queensland’s minerals can help meet this need while creating good jobs in regional areas,” Northcott noted.

The project is expected to create up to 300 jobs during construction and up to 274 jobs during the mine’s operational phase.

Construction is anticipated to start in 2025, with operations beginning in late 2026.

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The Australian Government will provide $13 million in grants to critical minerals projects in Queensland and South Australia to boost downstream processing and strengthen Australia’s sovereign capabilities.

Queensland Pacific Metals will receive $8 million to bolster domestic nickel and cobalt production, while South Australian-based Renascor Resources will receive $5 million for its pilot purified spherical graphite project, the government said in a media statement.

“These grants will help to create high-paying jobs for Australian workers and mean more value is added to our critical minerals industry,” said Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King.

“We have a rich endowment of the critical minerals required for renewable energy technologies, and our Strategy will ensure Australia is well positioned to provide these resources as the world transitions to net zero. The road to net zero runs through Australia’s resources sector,” she added.

The grants, provided through the International Partnerships in Critical Minerals program, will cover up to 50 per cent of project costs and help build diversified supply chains with the support of partners in the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

In particular, the Queensland Pacific Metals project will produce battery-grade nickel and cobalt sulphate suitable for use in electric vehicles for sale to customers including General Motors in the US and LG Energy Solution and POSCO in South Korea.

The Renascor Resources Purified Spherical Graphite Pilot Processing Plant will produce purified spherical graphite for use in lithium-ion batteries. It will become Australia’s first vertically integrated graphite manufacturer.

Renascor Resources has also been supported through financing from the Critical Minerals Facility, administered by Export Finance Australia.

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Sovereign Metals announced that Rio Tint has exercised all its share options, increasing its shareholding in Sovereign to 19.76 per cent.

In particular, Rio Tinto exercised 34,549,598 share options, acquiring the same number of new fully paid ordinary shares in Sovereign at A$0.535 per share, resulting in proceeds of A$18,484,035.

Sovereign said it plans to use the proceeds from Rio Tinto’s additional strategic investment to further advance Sovereign’s Tier 1 Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project (Kasiya) in Malawi.

This includes progressing the current optimization study for Kasiya, which focuses on developing a mine capable of supplying critical minerals to the titanium pigment, titanium metal, and lithium-ion battery industries.

“Rio Tinto’s further investment in Sovereign reaffirms Kasiya’s position as one of the most significant critical minerals projects globally,” commented Sovereign’s Chairman, Ben Stoikovich.

“With Rio Tinto’s wealth of experience as one of the world’s largest and most accomplished global mining companies, Kasiya is well-positioned to potentially become a market leader in low-CO2-footprint natural rutile and graphite.”

Under the Investment Agreement between Sovereign and Rio Tinto, Rio Tinto will continue to provide assistance and advice on technical and marketing aspects of Kasiya.

Funds from the option exercise are expected to be received by Friday, 5 July 2024.

Sovereign’s Managing Director Frank Eagar stated, “In collaboration with Rio Tinto, we have made significant progress in advancing Kasiya over the course of this year, including the successful launch of the pilot phase mining in May.”

Eagar remarked, “We are excited about Rio Tinto’s further investment in Sovereign, which represents another significant step towards unlocking a major new supply of low-CO2-footprint natural rutile and flake graphite.”

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