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The Cook Government is proud to announce funding for a groundbreaking research initiative aimed at enhancing the extraction of rare earth elements (REE) in Western Australia. As the world shifts toward a greener future, Western Australia stands well-positioned to support the global energy transition with its vast reserves of REE—critical minerals essential for renewable energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.

This collaborative research effort aims to establish Western Australia as a leading rare earth province, unlocking high-value critical mineral resources and paving the way for advanced processing industries. The Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) has awarded $175,000 to fund this initiative, which will be led by RSC in collaboration with Curtin University Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer, Narryer Metals, Dreadnought Resources, Terrain Minerals, and Pluto Resources.

Building on previous MRIWA-supported research that identified valuable REE, gallium, and niobium within clay-hosted mineral deposits, this new study will focus on deposits in the mineral-rich Yilgarn region. The project’s future stages include plans to establish test facilities and explore processing and purification techniques for REE, contributing to the creation of a robust and sustainable local rare earth industry.

This initiative aligns with the Cook Government’s commitment to environmentally responsible resource development. By prioritizing sustainable and innovative mining practices, Western Australia is poised to remain at the forefront of the global critical minerals sector.

Read the full Media statement: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook%20Labor%20Government/Collaborative-study-to-investigate-the-extraction-of-rare-earths-20250122

Read the Project Overview: https://www.mriwa.wa.gov.au/research-projects/project-portfolio/extraction-of-clay-hosted-rare-earth-element-deposits-in-australia/

Page was last reviewed 29 January 2025

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