source：Mirage News
Townsville-based academics will lead research to underpin the next generation of Australia’s mining industry, creating more jobs and business opportunities.
The Morrison Government is providing $573,068 to fund research led by James Cook University to improve our knowledge of Australia’s endowment of rare earth element resources, which are used for clean energy and high-tech applications.
Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said the James Cook University academics would lead a team of experts from local and international universities and organisations, like Geoscience Australia and Northern Minerals.
“Rare earth elements are growing in importance because of their use in batteries, mobile phones, medical equipment and other high tech products,” Mr Thompson said.
“Our local academics will lead a research project that improves our understanding of how, where and when rare earth element orebodies form in the Earth’s crust. This will improve Australia’s capacity to discover new ore bodies, which can be turned into mining operations that offer jobs and business opportunities while contributing to the economy.”
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the Morrison Government was investing in research that would benefit all Australians through the Australian Research Council (ARC).
“Our Government is investing in partnerships between universities, industry and government to drive the commercialisation of research,” Mr Tehan said.
“We are encouraging greater collaboration between universities and businesses on research innovation and workforce preparation.”