Manufacturing Technology

China has moved to curb supply of critical minerals. Can Australia seize the moment?

Marina Yue Chang, Associate Professor, Technology and Innovation, University of Technology Sydney. In the escalating trade war between the United States and China, one notable exception stood out: 31 critical minerals, including rare earth elements, were strategically exempted from tariffs. This was not a gesture of goodwill. It was a tacit acknowledgment of the United States’ deep dependence on China for materials essential to its technological competitiveness, clean energy transition and national defence. Beijing’s response was swift and calculated. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced expanded export controls and a shift in pricing principles. The move reflects China’s long-standing effort to shift rare earth pricing from market supply and demand to pricing based on their strategic value. The impact was immediate. Rare earth exports from China effectively ground to a halt, as exporters awaited approvals under a new, opaque licensing regime. The announcement prompted President Trump to issue a new executive order directing a review of national security risks stemming from the US reliance on imported, processed critical minerals. As global supply chains reel from these disruptions, Australia finds itself in a unique strategic position. As a trusted US ally, it possesses the resources, partnerships and political capital to step into the breach. But can Australia seize this opportunity – or will it come with strings attached? China’s new playbook China’s latest restrictions target seven rare earths – such as dysprosium and terbium – crucial for electric vehicles, wind turbines, fighter jets and missile systems. While stopping short of a full export ban, the policy functions as a chokepoint. It leverages China’s near-total global control of rare earth refining (around 90%) and its monopoly on heavy rare earth processing (98%). Domestically, China’s rare earth sector is dominated by two state-owned giants which together control nearly 100% of national mining quotas. These measures have exposed the vulnerability of Western supply chains. The US has only one operational rare earth mine […]

Sandvik Coromant to make debut at Australian Manufacturing Week

For the first time, metal cutting and manufacturing solutions expert Sandvik Coromant will be present at Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW). Taking place May 6 to 9, 2025 at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre (MCEC), Sandvik Coromant will join its software partners, Vericut and Mastercam, to provide an advisory service to visitors looking to optimise their machine investment and tool management strategies. AMW aims to showcase the latest advancements in the manufacturing sector, bringing in over 150 exhibitors and thousands of visitors. The exhibition is split into different zones from machine tools and additive manufacturing, to manufacturing solutions and robotics and automation. Sandvik Coromant will be in the Manufacturing Solutions Zone, exhibiting from stand MS360. To give visitors a complete solution overview, Vericut and Mastercam will share the stand with Sandvik Coromant. This collaboration will provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in digital manufacturing, machine investment strategies and process engineering. Sandvik Coromant will have an advisory booth to consult visitors on how to optimise their current machining challenges, offering solutions for complex components and providing support for new projects. At the stand, Manufacturing Wellness, a term coined by Sandvik Coromant in 2023, will be at the forefront of discussions. The concept revolves around eight essential habits, including taking a holistic approach, reducing waste, investing in automation and benefitting from strong partners, and acts as a framework for improving operational resilience and future-proofing the manufacturing industry. Sandvik Coromant’s entire offering will be visible through interactive digital displays. The stand will demonstrate Sandvik Coromant’s CoroPlus® Tool Supply inventory software, installed into the Robocrib TX750 vending machine, a popular solution in Australia and surrounding Asia. This all-in-one tool management software is used to efficiently manage and track assets and equipment by automating the tool supply process. It uses real-time […]

Matthew Addley, Senior Director, Product and Industry Market Strategy, Infor

Q&A: What’s in store for Australian manufacturers for the rest of 2025?

By Matthew Addley, Senior Director, Product and Industry Market Strategy at Infor Outlook for the Australian manufacturing sector for the rest of 2025 It has been a tumultuous first quarter for the manufacturing sector, as trade policies and tariffs have driven up raw material and component costs, creating a ripple effect across the global supply chain. More specifically, the recent imposition of a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports into the US has hit Australian manufacturers hard as they grapple with higher interest rates and subdued demand in 2024. However, reducing interest rates to 4.10% could bolster business confidence and drive demand as the year progresses, opening up markets and investment opportunities for Australian manufacturers struggling to recover in a post-COVID world. How are Artificial intelligence and generative AI impacting the manufacturing sector? Generative AI (GenAI) is set to reshape Australian manufacturing, driving innovative integration, operational efficiency, and data insights, transforming productivity and revenue. We expect that distribution leaders will adopt AI, robotics, and IoT to enhance industry-specific processes, data, and ways of working. Research by KPMG indicates that over half of Australian (58%) and global (64%) CEOs view Gen AI as a top investment priority to gain a competitive edge for their businesses. How will the changes in global policy affect supply chains, demand, and long-term investment in manufacturing? Global policies and geopolitical risks can instantly influence supply chains. We have seen this with the recent 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to the US, sending shockwaves through the global industry. This will impact production costs for many items, especially those with global supply chains, such as connected machinery & equipment, smartphones, laptops, servers, and other electrical and electronic products. Having considered the rising cost pressures, manufacturers are anticipated to adopt new, agile technologies and sustainable […]

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Manufacturing’s strong networking presence

New data names manufacturing the leading industry for networking averaging 110.2 connections per business. Manufacturing’s strong networking presence aims to develop strong supplier relationships, garner efficient logistics, and build B2B partnerships – making networking essential for growth. With networking picking up pace – which industries are the best at it? And how can both employees and businesses maximise their networking potential? To find out, Tapt analysed a sample of over 400,000 networking connections — instances where professionals exchanged details using our platform — from a total of 3.7 million interactions. They looked at total networking volume and how actively individual businesses connect to reveal the industries leading the way, as well as the best times to network. They’ve also shared tips to help you network more effectively. The industries where businesses network the most Rank Industry # Connections per business 1 Manufacturing 110.2 2 Retail Trade 107.4 3 Finance and Insurance Services 92.2 4 Information Media and Telecommunications 90.4 5 Construction 87.1 Thinking of networking with a manufacturing business? The data reveals that manufacturing is the highest industry where businesses network the most – 110.2 connections per business. Its top ranking comes as no surprise, given that manufacturing relies heavily on strong supplier relationships, efficient logistics, and B2B partnerships – making networking essential for growth. Retail follows closely behind at 107.4 connections per business. This could be due to the ongoing need for supplier negotiations, franchise partnerships, and customer engagement. The industries where professionals network the most Rank Industry # Connections per user 1 Information Media and Telecommunications 36.4 2 Manufacturing 34.5 3 Retail Trade 33.6 4 Education and Training 33.3 5 Accommodation and Food Services 32.6 For professionals looking to advance their careers and expand their industry presence, manufacturing offers 34.5 connections per user – second overall. This high […]

Federal Budget steady for STEM: Tech Academy awaits next steps

Investments in Australian innovation are a must to help the nation become a key global player in research and development. The Federal Budget picks a welcome winner in green metals, leveraging Australia’s abundant, cheap renewable energy to produce the metals of the future. The green metals industry is a leading example of a deep legacy of Australian innovation. The tax cuts, energy bill credits and even the beer excise freeze, provide some relief for the cost of living. These are not, however, the policies that will power long-term economic growth. Bold initiatives that will shape a resilient economy of the future – such as a commitment to re-thinking Australian R&D investment through the Strategic Examination of Research and Development; the Universities Accord; and the Diversity in STEM reviews – were ignored in tonight’s budget. ATSE continues to call for significant, bipartisan, sector-wide investments in science, technology and innovation to safeguard Australia’s economy into the future. ATSE CEO Kylie Walker said: “Investments in future Australian innovators and innovations are a must to help the nation become a key global player in research and development. Bold initiatives that will shape the resilient economy of the future need ample resourcing.” “The green metals announcements build on the Future Made in Australia agenda that has guided the past few years. Australia’s future economic resilience will be narrow if it is not built on investments in innovation and STEM skills as drivers of economic prosperity.” Ms Walker welcomed the announcement of investments in key science and technology infrastructure and workforce, providing crucial ongoing support for the national R&D agency CSIRO, and in the areas of nuclear medicine, biosecurity and the National Measurement Institute. “ATSE also welcomes the new investment in public schooling, including in science and engineering education,” she said. As Australia heads into […]

Tech Council of Australia Announces Chair Transition

Canberra – The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) has announced that Scott Farquhar, Co-Founder and Board Director of Atlassian, will succeed Robyn Denholm as Chair, marking a new chapter for Australia’s peak industry body for technology. Robyn Denholm, who has led the TCA since its inception in 2021, will step down as Chair after 3.5 years of significant growth and impact, remaining on the Board to continue supporting the organisation’s mission. Denholm reflected on her tenure, highlighting the achievements of the TCA and the growing influence of the Australian tech sector. “Leading the Tech Council of Australia as inaugural Chair has been a privilege. Over the past three and a half years, we have worked to establish the tech sector as a critical pillar of Australia’s economy, securing bipartisan support for key initiatives and shaping policies that enable Australian innovation to thrive,” Ms Denholm said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together— including our bipartisan jobs goal, critical changes to migration policy and my ongoing work on Australia’s R&D review. I look forward to continuing to support the TCA as a Board member.” Scott Farquhar, a founding member of the TCA and one of Australia’s most successful tech entrepreneurs, will step into the role of Chair at a time of increasing opportunity and responsibility for the sector. “The TCA was founded on the belief that technology is a fundamental driver of economic growth, job creation, and national competitiveness. I’m proud to take on the role of Chair and help continue the work we started in advocating for a thriving tech ecosystem.” “When we founded TCA, the Australian tech sector lacked a unified national voice to advocate for our sector. Today, thanks to the work we’ve done alongside our members, we have a unified voice on the national […]

Master Lock launches key storage products

Master Lock has launched four new key storage products, highlighting their innovation in access sharing. Master Lock’s three new next-generation key storage units include permanent wall-mount, and both portable shackle and cable versions. With a sleek, modern ergonomic design that makes them easier to use, the new key safes also offer increased security through a solid metal body construction, as well as greater resilience against the elements with a durable weather resistant cover. All three units boast increased storage capacity to secure more than ten standard house keys, as well as larger modern RFID car keys and fobs, access cards and extra-large home, office and storage keys. Offering elevated convenience and security, the new Master Lock 5481EURD Wall Mounted Key Lock Box (RRP $59.95) provides permanently installed unrivalled storage capacity and usability. Whether it’s for an office, or a construction site, the lock box is designed to grant access to trusted individuals seamlessly and reliably. The Master Lock Portable 5480EURDAU Shackle (RRP $65.95) and 5482EURDAU Cable Key Safes (RRP $69.95) offer even more application and functionality. Each product’s respective shackle and cable is removable, allowing for easy placement in a wide range of locations. Ideal for using at work, on equipment, vehicles, fences or gates, these products provide unmatched installation flexibility and adaptability. For those with late night or early morning starts, the new Master Lock 5424DAU Portable Combination Light-up Key Safe (RRP $61.95) is a must-have. Perfect for securing keys, it features a light up combination panel, making it easy to use in low-light situations. The new Master Lock key storage products are available at Bunnings Warehouse (5480EURDAU, 5481EURDAU and 5482EURDAU) Mitre 10 and Home Timber and Hardware stock all four products.

Terria bites into billion-dollar geospatial tech market

Geospatial tech startup Terria has spun out of CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, after successfully closing a seed investment round with Australian deep tech investment fund, Main Sequence. Terria organises and visualises the world’s spatial data, across thousands of mapping and information layers, to make it accessible and useful for everyone. It simplifies the complex process of creating digital twins, or online virtual replicas of buildings, cities, regions and countries to enable modelling and investigation of ‘what-if’ scenarios. The seed funding will help support Terria’s global ambitions for its products, which can assist with planning and managing the cities of the future, the energy transition and environmental monitoring. Professor Elanor Huntington, CSIRO’s Digital, National Facilities and Collections Executive Director, said the national science agency was proud to have incubated Australia’s newest tech start-up. “It is very exciting to watch research turn into technology with real-world impact, and in this case, to form the foundation of a new stand-alone company,” Professor Huntington said. “CSIRO exists to foster Australian innovation and to help take that innovation out into the world. “We are extremely proud of the Terria team – geospatial visualisation makes the enormous amount of global data understandable and accessible for everyone.” Two former CSIRO employees will lead Terria: Ana Belgun, Terria Chief Executive Officer and Product Lead, and Amber Standley, Chief Experience Officer. “Terria started in 2014, when the first open-data, open-source Australian Government platforms were created to help any organisation or individual to access and visualise spatial data,” Ms Belgun said. “Since then, millions of users have accessed over 15,000 datasets on Terria mapping platforms. “In this next phase we will scale the positive impact we have created so far for Australian companies and government agencies and take these advanced tools global to enable the creation and management of […]

Tech Council welcomes Federal Government’s review of Australia’s R&D system

The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s strategic review of research and development (R&D) in Australia, which will examine how it can bolster productivity and economic growth. Minister for Industry and Science the Hon Ed Husic MP has announced that Tech Council Board Chair Robyn Denholm will Chair an independent panel that will deliver recommendations to strengthen Australia’s R&D system. Tech Council CEO Damian Kassabgi said the review was an opportunity for Australia to better harness the economic and productivity benefits of R&D. “A strategic approach to R&D will increase competition, attract investment and contribute to a more productive and resilient economy,” he said. “The decline in productivity is one of Australia’s biggest economic challenges. To continue enjoying our standard of living, which is among the highest in the world, Australia needs to focus on improving productivity growth. “Lifting investment in R&D can help us turn this around. To maximise the economic and productivity gains, we need a strong R&D system that encourages innovation and supports companies to transform world-class research into commercial success. “While other countries are consistently increasing their investment in technology, Australia isn’t keeping up and our spending on tech investment is actually forecast to fall if we don’t act,” Mr Kassabgi said. Research released by the Tech Council in November showed that lifting investment in R&D and tech adoption could contribute up to $167 billion in GDP by 2035 in productivity gains. Ms Denholm said she was honoured to be appointed Chair of the review. “On behalf of the Tech Council of Australia (TCA), I commend the Government for initiating this independent review to enhance Australia’s R&D framework,” Ms Denholm said. “A robust and forward-looking R&D ecosystem is vital to driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and establishing Australia as a global […]

2. The Melt Modern Manufacturing centre in Muswellbrook provides access to facilities and technical specialists at an affordable price 2

Advanced manufacturing

A vibrant advanced manufacturing sector is emerging from the Hunter’s well-established traditional assemblage. Much of the advanced manufacturing aligns with the existing defence, aerospace, and mining industries but also incorporates chemical processing, construction, and energy generation and distribution. Advanced manufacturing in the Hunter comprises about 2000 regional businesses employing about 20,000 people and contributing $2 billion to the NSW economy. The sector’s priorities include improving engagement with international markets, accessing global supply chains, and increasing the engagement between research and industry. It is important the Hunter’s advanced manufacturers position themselves to maximise their potential to leverage government initiatives including the National Reconstruction Fund, the Future Made in Australia bill and Industry Growth programs among many others. The current ecosystem suggests the Hunter is well placed to build leading capability. Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) recognises the importance of sharing the stories of the region’s advanced manufacturers on a national stage. HMA chair Jacqui Daley says it enhances “Brand Hunter”. Assisting advanced manufacturing businesses reach the stage where they have a worthy story to tell is The Melt, founded in 2017 as a spinoff from Australia’s most successful corporate accelerator, Slingshot. Brett Thomas is Director and Chief Operating Officer of The Melt’s Muswellbrook facility, which provides technical specialists, and investment funding via Melt Ventures, to help emerging businesses prove, prototype, pilot, and produce physical devices. “We help start-ups and scale-ups,” Mr Thomas says. “In particular, businesses creating new devices and products that are clean tech, climate tech, or advanced-manufacturing related. Most of those products have embedded IoT (internet of things) and software elements but the core of the products is a physical device.” MrThomas says the risk of failure for the founders, start-ups, and scaling businesses making physical products is much higher than it is for other start-ups. There are several reasons […]

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