Critical minerals are mineral commodities identified as essential for advanced technologies and economic or national security functions, and which face elevated risk of supply disruption due to geological scarcity, concentrated production, geopolitical constraints, or complex value chains. Scientifically, they are defined not by intrinsic geochemical properties but by their role in enabling key materials systems, such as high-performance magnets, battery chemistries, catalysts, semiconductors, and specialized alloys. Research on critical minerals emphasizes ore genesis, mineral processing, substitution strategies, recycling, life-cycle assessment, and supply-risk modeling to ensure resilient access to these inputs for low-carbon energy systems, defense applications, and advanced manufacturing.
New research from Monash University revealed that microscopic life is actively breaking down decades-old mining waste in South Australia, turning stable radioactive and toxic metals into mobile nanoparticles that can easily ...
Environment
Jul 21, 2026
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The global push for a transition to green energy has sparked demand for critical minerals such as lithium, vanadium, copper and cobalt. These are needed for electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels. Sub-Saharan Africa ...
Environment
Jun 29, 2026
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Gold has long held a special place in Australia's history, shaping the nation's economic fortunes and driving waves of migration since the 1850s gold rushes. Today, Australia stands as one of the world's largest gold producers, ...
Earth Sciences
Jun 25, 2026
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A "superpowered" fungus engineered at The University of Queensland could be used to extract critical minerals from toxic mining waste while also helping to remediate sites. Environmental engineers at UQ's new Biosustainability ...
Biotechnology
Jun 23, 2026
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In the quest to create a robust supply chain of rare earth elements necessary for the clean energy revolution and everyday modern conveniences, North America has enough deposits of sufficient quality to begin looking in its ...
Earth Sciences
Jun 21, 2026
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52
Thai fisherman Somdet Singthong steered his metal skiff across the brown waters of the Mekong River, resigned to the pollution that has put his health and lifelong source of livelihood at risk.
Environment
Jun 16, 2026
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A Canadian deep-sea mining company may become the first to commercially mine the international seabed under a controversial U.S. executive order that bypasses United Nations regulations. A recent legal analysis suggests that ...
Environment
Jun 8, 2026
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133
Industrial-scale mining in Africa to support global supply chains is leading to unprecedented deforestation across the continent, with 34 hectares of forest removed for every single hectare of active mine site.
Environment
Jun 6, 2026
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By 2030, the global data centers powering artificial intelligence are projected to consume 945 terawatt-hours of electricity. This is nearly triple the combined annual electricity use of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria—countries ...
Environment
Jun 3, 2026
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Magnets for electric cars and wind turbines contain only a small amount of the rare earth metal dysprosium. Yet, this metal is responsible for a large share of the environmental impact and costs, according to research by ...
Environment
Jun 2, 2026
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