Critical Minerals

pyrite cloase up
pyrite cloase up

About the ANU Critical Minerals Network

The ANU Critical Minerals Network connects researchers, educators, and practitioners from across the university to address these challenge collectively.

Read more

Critical minerals sit at the intersection of science, economics, politics, and Indigenous rights. Momentum for decarbonisation and intensifying geostrategic rivalry are driving up demand for these minerals. New demand means more mining, and this gives rise to new challenges.

ANU offers a full value-chain capability for critical minerals, combining world-class research, infrastructure and policy expertise.

Capabilities

Science & technology

ANU has strong research capabilities in critical minerals exploration, analysis, sustainable extraction and processing, as well as integration with clean energy and high-tech applications.  

More about science & technology

Policy & governance

ANU offers expertise in governance and public policy to help understand markets, supply chains and regulation, and to support practical, evidence-based national strategy and long-term sustainability.

More about policy & governance

First Nations rights

ANU combine Indigenous studies, law and environmental governance to support First Nations rights in critical minerals, with a focus on respectful engagement, land stewardship and equitable outcomes.

More about First Nations rights

Education

In 2026, ANU is running a first-of-its kind interdisciplinary introduction to critical minerals for undergraduate students.

Find out more about our courses

Our people

Across the university, our scholars are working on critical minerals using a range of disciplinary lenses and methods.

Find out more about our people