Critical Minerals
Critical minerals encompass both metallic and non-metallic elements that play indispensable roles in modern technologies, economies, and national security, while also facing the risk of potential supply chain disruptions. Each country formulates its own catalogue of critical minerals, taking into account the relative significance of specific minerals for their industrial requirements and conducting strategic evaluations of supply risks. Moreover, assessments of mineral criticality are influenced by market dynamics and political circumstances at a specific moment, making them subject to fluctuations.
Within the Australian Government’s scope, 26 resource commodities are classified as critical minerals. This categorisation stems from a comprehensive analysis of Australia’s geological resources and their alignment with global technological demands, especially those of partner nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, India, South Korea, and Canada. By assessing Australia’s mineral endowment and potential, the government aims to ensure the strategic availability of these critical minerals to meet the evolving needs of key global stakeholders in various industries.
Click here to view the list and learn more about Australia’s 26 critical minerals.
Click here to view a map of Queensland Critical Minerals locations.
View the Queensland Government Critical Minerals Strategy
View the Australian Government Critical Minerals Strategy 2023-2030
View the Wide Bay Burnett Minerals Investment Prospectus
Cobalt
Cobalt is a critical mineral with diverse industrialapplications. Australia holds approximately 19% of theworld’s cobalt reserves, offering a stable supply in a securegeopolitical environment.
Copper
Copper is a vital metal with significant importance and numerous industrial applications. Queensland’s minerals province is renowned as a world-class host for large and long-lived copper mining activities.
Lithium
Lithium is a lightweight metal known for its high energy storage capacity, making it a critical mineral for various industrial applications, particularly in the production of rechargeable batteries.
Manganese
Manganese is a critical mineral that plays a vital role in various industries, including steel production, battery manufacturing, and clean energy technologies.
Rare Earth
Rare Earth are essential for the production of permanent magnets used in wind turbines, electric vehicles, and computer hard drives.
Tungsten
Tungsten is recognized as a critical mineral due to its essentiality in modern technologies, industrial applications, and strategic significance.
Vanadium
Vanadium is recognized as a critical mineral due to its essentiality in various sectors, including energy storage, steel production, and chemical applications.
