CANBERRA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government on Friday announced funding for a new research center to boost the country's critical minerals refining sector.
Tim Ayres, minister for industry and innovation, and Resources Minister Madeleine King, on Friday, announced 53 million Australian dollars (37.2 million U.S. dollars) in funding to establish the Critical Metals for Critical Industries Cooperative Research Center (CMCI CRC).
They said in a joint statement that the new center will drive the development and commercialization of new technologies for critical minerals refining, with a focus on high-value minerals, breakthrough technologies and sustainable refining methods.
"Generations of Australians have enjoyed the good fortune of this continent's rich resource endowment, but the next chapter of mineral refining requires new technologies, new industrial capabilities and new partnerships," Ayres said.
The initiative will bring together 43 businesses, 11 research organizations and four industry peak bodies, which have committed a combined 185 million AUD (130 million USD) in funding for the CMCI CRC. ■
