A new Curtin University institute will connect government and industry with leading geoscience expertise to help transform WA\u2019s economic future in critical minerals with more sustainable mineral exploration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Curtin Frontier Institute for Geoscience Solutions (CFIGS<\/a>) includes\u00a0a\u00a0Geo Shopfront<\/a>\u00a0platform\u00a0offering\u00a0tailored services\u00a0and\u00a0timely, practical insights to support more efficient and sustainable exploration and resource development and reduce costly risks for the resources sector.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n CFIGS Director\u00a0Professor Chris Kirkland said the Institute\u00a0gave\u00a0organisations\u00a0easy\u00a0access\u00a0to\u00a0advanced analytical\u00a0expertise\u00a0at a time when\u00a0mineral\u00a0exploration\u00a0was\u00a0becoming increasingly\u00a0complex and\u00a0challenging.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBacked by Curtin\u2019s world-class geoscience facilities, our experts can collaborate with organisations to fast-track real-world solutions for sustainable exploration and development while addressing national priorities in resources and critical minerals,\u201d Professor Kirkland said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWA\u2019s economic future in critical minerals, the clean energy transition and resource security relies on geoscience that\u2019s faster, smarter, and more targeted – and that\u2019s exactly what CFIGS delivers as a platform connecting industry to expertise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne CNZM<\/a> said CFIGS drew on Curtin\u2019s broader research ecosystem of specialist centres, commercialisation teams and national collaborative programs to help bridge the gap between research discovery and industrial deployment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Curtin Frontier Institute for Geoscience Solutions demonstrates how our research excellence can be translated into tangible benefits for industry, government and the wider community,\u201d Professor Hayne said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBy strengthening collaboration and improving access to our expertise, CFIGS helps support a more innovative and sustainable future for Australia\u2019s resources sector. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis initiative builds on the achievements of Curtin\u2019s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the WA School of Mines, working in partnership with the John de Laeter Centre<\/a> to apply state-of-the-art instrumentation to reduce exploration risk, improve mineral recovery and yields, and support best-practice environmental management.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson said the Institute would deliver many benefits for Western Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis Institute will drive innovation and job creation by equipping our resources sector with the latest expertise needed to stay ahead in the global critical minerals race,\u201d Minister Dawson said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBy garnering stronger links between research, industry and government, we are ensuring WA remains at the forefront of sustainable resource development, securing prosperity for our state now and into the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Formally launched on 19 March, CFIGS will work with mining and exploration companies; government agencies including Geoscience Australia and the Geological Survey of Western Australia; other state and territory bodies; and organisations such as the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia and the Australian Research Council to support Australia\u2019s exploration and mining sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n