The Government will invest $50 million in a new business and research partnership with Curtin University which will focus on the critical mineral supply chain and result in the creation of 1,300 jobs.
Curtin University will collaborate with 33 corporate leaders, the University of Queensland, and James Cook University on this initiative, which is the first under the Government’s Trailblazer program.
The emphasis will be on creating innovative technologies that will assist Australia in gaining a competitive edge in key critical mineral supply chains such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the initiative is projected to generate 1,300 new jobs over the next decade.
“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,” the Prime Minister continued.
“Employment in the mining industry grew by over 26,800 jobs – or 10.6 per cent – over the past year and is expected to grow by 5.9 per cent 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.”
Curtin University was chosen as a Trailblazer after a two-stage competitive evaluation process in which universities had to submit expressions of interest followed by more thorough business cases.
Acting Minister for Education and Youth Stuart Robert said the University and its industry partners have promised $144 million in co-investment, matching public funding more than 2 to 1.
“The investment of industry partners in this project highlights the extraordinary potential of the Government’s Research Commercialisation Action Plan, with leading-edge manufacturing at its core,” Minister Robert said.
“Harnessing the significant and important research done right here in Australia means more jobs right here in Australia, more exports and a stronger economy. The Morrison Government has a plan for a stronger economy and a stronger future.”
Curtin Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Professor Chris Moran stated: “The mission of the collaboration is to conduct and translate the research needed to link the value chains so desperately needed if Australia is to become a genuine international leader in efficient production of critical minerals, precursors and ultimately, metals.
“In doing so, Trailblazer will add significant value, resilience, and sovereign capability throughout Australia’s critical minerals and hydrogen energy value chains. It will deliver the skills and the future workforce required to realise the potential benefits from our resources.
“The Trailblazer will be a key gateway for industry- opening up access for industry to the wealth of expertise inside universities to ultimately support the start-up and growth of Australian businesses,” he concluded.
