We are pleased to share the Quarter 3 updates from the ARC Centre in Critical Resources for the Future (CCRF). This edition captures another milestone quarter marked by new collaborations, inspiring achievements, and continued momentum across our research, training, and engagement programs.
In this quarter’s edition, you’ll find:
Team Updates:
Centre Director Professor Marco Fiorentini reflects on a dynamic quarter, with CCRF researchers and students leading the way in conferences, workshops, and international collaborations.
Research and Student Highlights:
Two new HDR candidates, Chang Wang and Frank Ndudzo, joined the Centre and presented their projects at the CCRF Annual Workshop in Brisbane. The quarter also brought recognition for early-stage researchers, with Olivia Mejías González and Lexi K’ng receiving awards through the SMI Memorial Awards for their innovative contributions to critical minerals research.
Centre Activities:
The first CCRF Annual Workshop was a success, bringing together researchers, Chief Investigators, and our partners for a day of presentations, collaboration, and training. The event also marked the official launch of the CCRF Mentoring Program, designed to connect emerging researchers with experienced mentors across academia, industry, and government.
Research in Action:
Our researchers continue to deliver high-impact work, from investigating lithium–cesium–tantalum pegmatites and rare earth elements to developing new tools for data sharing, mine waste recovery, and exploration targeting. Fieldwork collaborations included visits with industry partners such as Cobalt Blue Holdings Ltd and international field programs in Indonesia.
Outreach and Engagement:
CCRF researchers shared their expertise through National Science Week’s “Rocks and Space” activities and continued to grow the Wonder Podcast series, exploring how geoscience supports a sustainable future.
Conferences and Upcoming Events:
CCRF maintained a strong presence at major events including the SEG 2025 Conference in Brisbane, the Critical Minerals Conference in Perth, and the Australasian Exploration Geoscience Conference in Perth. Looking ahead, planning is underway for the GeoCopper Workshop (Adelaide), AESC 2026 (Melbourne), the Gordon Research Conference (Spain), and PEG 2026 (Perth).