Ancient tectonic processes the key to locating rare minerals essential for modern technologies
New research from Adelaide University has revealed that geological processes dating back billions of years are critical to locating the rare earth elements needed for modern technologies and the global clean energy transition. Published today in Science Advances, the study shows a strong global link between ancient subduction zones – […]
Faster approvals critical to realising Queensland’s Taroom Trough opportunity
The Queensland Government’s welcome plan to unlock the Taroom Trough represents a significant opportunity to strengthen Australia’s fuel security and economic resilience. Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the Taroom Trough has long been recognised by industry as a highly prospective basin with the potential to play a […]
Ipswich primed to be Queensland’s manufacturing and defence capital
Ipswich is positioned to be the manufacturing and defence capital of Queensland with an 8,000-hectare future supply of industrial land. With the largest area of land earmarked as developable for commercial and industrial purposes than any other city in South East Queensland, Ipswich City Council has outlined its competitive advantages […]
Climate disclosures: what manufacturers need to focus on now
Martin Fryer, Head of Strategy and Disclosures, thinkstep-anz Climate risk is now a financial reporting issue. The Australian Sustainability Reporting Standard (AASB) S2 Climate-related Disclosures asks organisations to explain how climate-related risks and opportunities could affect their business performance and future plans. For manufacturers in Group 2 and 3, this […]
Australian Composites Manufacturing CRC appoints Luke Preston as new CEO
The Australian Composites Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (ACM CRC) has announced that its board has appointed highly experienced engineering manager and entrepreneur Luke Preston as the new full-time CEO, as the CRC builds on the successful first three years of its ten-year term. Preston’s career includes roles as Head of Engineering and Drone […]
Australia secures trade deal with EU
After 8 years of negotiations, Australia has secured a landmark trade deal with the European Union, the world’s second largest economy. The Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement will lower trade and investment barriers between Australia and the European Union – a market of around 450 million people. Prime Minister Anthony […]
ChameleCo and SpacePort Australia create space education opportunities and facilities
The Chameleon Consulting Firm, based in the United States, https://www.chameleco.com/ and SpacePort Australia Pty Ltd have joined forces to conduct a feasibility study focused on integrating STEM training pathways, including practical spaceflight crew training and space environment orientation facilities. As humanity advances toward sustained space exploration and eventual colonization, the […]
GDM Fast-Tracks Cashflow at Challenger Gold Mine
Great Divide Mining Ltd has moved to accelerate near-term cash generation at its wholly owned Challenger Gold Mine in Adelong, NSW, utilising historical mullock stockpiles on site for initial process plant feed. The mullock provides a low-cost and immediate production feed as commissioning works continue. The priority mullock sites — […]
Swisslog “Ready for the Next” at Retail Fulfilment Show 2026
Swisslog will be showcasing the latest advancements in AutoStore High Throughput (HTP) Swisslog, a global leader in automated intralogistics solutions, will showcase its agile automation and software solutions at the 2026 Retail Fulfilment Show from 18-19 March at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. The Retail Fulfilment Show brings […]
Program launched to get more women working in manufacturing in Queensland
A new campaign has been launched to encourage more women into manufacturing as Queensland faces a critical skills shortage in the $28.9 billion sector. Ahead of International Women’s Day, Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) wants women and girls to know they have a critical role to play in building Queensland’s future […]
The 4 x 4 World Class Productivity Simulation
Supercharge your productivity and learn how to apply Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools Access your CI maturity Create your CI action plan Unlock your operating excellence For leaders who are serious about driving efficiency, gaining clarity and implementing continuous improvement […]
Why India joining the US alliance on AI tech is an opportunity for Australia
Arup George, Research Manager, UNSW Sydney India has formally joined the United States’ flagship international alliance on artificial intelligence (AI) supply chain security: “Pax Silica”. Officials from both countries signed the Pax Silica declaration on the sidelines of a major AI summit in New Delhi last week. This initiative seeks to bring together […]
Ancient tectonic processes the key to locating rare minerals essential for modern technologies
New research from Adelaide University has revealed that geological processes dating back billions of years are critical to locating the rare earth elements needed for modern technologies and the global clean energy transition. Published today in Science Advances, the study shows a strong global link between ancient subduction zones – where tectonic plates collide – and the formation of rare earth element (REE) deposits and carbonatites, a type of hot molten rock called magma, known to host these valuable resources. Rare earth elements are essential components in technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, and defence systems. However, locating economically viable deposits remains a major global challenge. Led by Professor Carl Spandler from the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, the research team reconstructed Earth’s geological history over the past two billion years using advanced plate tectonic modelling. They identified regions of the Earth’s mantle that had been fertilised by subduction processes, where material from one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, releasing fluids and elements into the overlying mantle. The Adelaide University researchers found that these fertilised mantle regions now underlie approximately 67% of carbonatites and 72% of REE deposits formed over the past 1.8 billion years. For older deposits, that figure rises to 92%. Prof Spandler said the findings provide compelling evidence that ancient subduction zones play a fundamental role in creating the conditions needed for rare earth deposits to form. “This research shows that the ingredients for these critical mineral deposits were put in place many million to even billions of years ago,” Prof Spandler said. “By identifying where these ancient processes occurred, we can significantly narrow down the search areas for future discoveries.” The study also challenges previous theories that linked these deposits primarily to mantle plumes –columns of hot material rising from deep within the […]