Australia’s federal government has committed $50 million (US$36.7 million) to establishing a new business and research partnership with Curtin University in Western Australia (WA), one which will focus on the critical mineral supply chain.
The project, which is the first under the government’s Trailblazer program, will see Curtin University collaborate with the University of Queensland (QLD), James Cook University, and 33 business representatives, to develop new technology that will give Australia a competitive advantage in mineral supply chains such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium.
Approximately 1,300 jobs are expected to be created through the project over the next decade via industry employment of researchers and work-ready students, increased research and industry activity at regional campuses, and new positions created in start-ups.
“Our economic plan backs in talented Australians to supercharge research and new ideas, working with business and industry leaders, to develop new products, new companies, and more jobs to help build a strong economy and a stronger future,” he said.
“Employment in the mining industry grew by over 26,800 jobs—or 10.6 percent—over the past year and is expected to grow by 5.9 percent over the next five years, so it is important we back our best researchers and their ideas to ensure Australia’s mining sector is secure for the future.
“It’s no accident we’re announcing the first Trailblazer program in WA, which is designed to push the boundaries, drive collaboration between universities and industry and challenge intellectual property arrangements that limit the dividend for our young, smart, savvy researchers,” he said.
Morrison also noted that due to WA’s vast critical minerals industry, the state is “an economic powerhouse for the whole country.”
The resource-rich state moved up from fourth place in 2020, pipping Saskatchewan, Canada (second) and Nevada, U.S.A. (third).
WA’s low percentage of negative responses from mining executives, relatively good policy performance, and geological attractiveness are the main reasons given for why WA performed so well on the overall Investment Attractiveness Index.
“It is an incredible achievement for Curtin to be the first of what will only be a handful of Australian universities, and the only one in Western Australia, to be named a Trailblazer and I congratulate all those who delivered the successful proposal,” she said.
“Together with The University of Queensland and James Cook University, we will use Trailblazer to affect deep and lasting change in the way technology readiness, commercialisation and industry-led research are prioritised, taught and rewarded in our universities.”
Along with the government funding, Curtin University and its industry partners have pledged $144 million in co-investment, taking total funding for their Trailblazer program to almost $200 million.
