Accelerating innovation & research commercialisation in the resources technology and critical minerals sector

Resources, Technology & Critical Minerals

Our Focus

Transforming the way industry, universities and researchers work together

Our Trailblazer builds new research capabilities and drives commercialisation outcomes in the technology and critical minerals sector. We support innovative start ups and business growth across Australian SMEs in this sector, enabling businesses to thrive.

UNIVERSITY TRANSFORMATION

Changing the way commercialisation and industry-led research is embedded, facilitated and rewarded in universities

TECHNOLOGY READINESS

Reducing risks associated with new technologies, building pathways for SMEs and industry to invest and implement new ways of working

COMMERCIALISATION

Leading commercial innovation by translating research outcomes into new products, services and industry processes through the Curtin Venture Studio.

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Get Involved

Establishing lasting change

By collaborating with researchers, we drive projects forward and enable research outcomes and innovations to thrive in the critical minerals sector

Establishing lasting change

Our Partners

Building relationships, developing projects and advancing technology readiness

Partnering with industry to de-risk new technology and create opportunities for the resources sector.

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Our Program

Creating the next generation of industry-engaged innovators

The Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer is proud to be part of the Australian Government’s Department of Education Trailblazer Universities Program.

The program is designed to build new research capabilities and drive commercialisation in the resources and critical minerals industries across Australia. Curtin University is partnering with The University of Queensland and James Cook University to encourage the translation and commercialisation of university research, strengthening capability with cutting-edge solutions. We’re solving real-world problems by connecting industry to students and academia.

Join us to create future change today.

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News and Events

Explore the latest news and events from our Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer

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Transforming Manganese Resources into Battery Grade Chemicals and Energy Materials

Developing a more economical and sustainable method to produce manganese is essential, with the critical mineral forming a key component of most lithium ion and conventional alkaline batteries needed in devices like smartphones and laptops, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. The current production process generates several significant waste-related problems such as unutilised manganese and […]

JKHFmini: Reducing comminution and grinding energy requirements

A small-scale fluidised bed flotation device with the potential to predict industrial-scale performance is entering the final stages of testing with the delivery of 7 prototypes to industry. Developed by researchers at The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI), the JKHFmini builds on coarse particle flotation technology where a fluidised bed is used to […]

Trailblazer Announces $102m Funding Commitments

Today the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer announced it has committed $102 million to 47 research initiatives which includes $67.6 million from 50+ industry partners such as BHP, Rio Tinto, Lynas, Woodside Energy, Cadoux, Sakura Ferroalloys, and Xcalibur. The funding supports cutting-edge advancements in exploration, production and downstream processing to advance Australia’s exploration and […]