Critical minerals portal creates global investment pathways

Geoscience Australia, the Geological Survey of Canada, and the U.S. Geological Survey have released a new online portal and the world’s largest database of critical mineral concentrations in and around mineral deposits.

Resource managers and decision makers now have access to more than 10,000 mineral samples from Australia, Canada and the United States, all categorised along a deposit classification scheme and available through a newly unveiled web portal.

The mineral samples also include modern, multi-element geochemical data and have been collected from historic and active mines and prospects from around the world. These data and samples can be used to fill in knowledge gaps about how many critical mineral commodities occur in various ores and in what quantities.

According to Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt, the portal could lead to further global supply chain opportunities for Australia.

“While Australia is known across the world for its rich gold and iron ore deposits, our country also has an abundance of critical minerals – which are key to everything from iPhones to fighter jets,” he said.

“This portal will help secure Australia’s future as a global supplier of critical minerals and contribute to the resource security of two of our most important international partners.”

More information on the portal can be obtained from Geoscience Australia mineral research here. Stay up-to-date on all science from Geoscience Australia by following them on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.