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The
website https://portal.ga.gov.au/persona/cmmi contains the
world’s largest dataset of minerals such cobalt, lithium and
rare earth elements and has more than 7,000 mineral samples from
over 60 countries which could help identify new areas of
critical minerals.
The data can be used by governments to identify options to
diversify their critical minerals sources and by companies to
better target their exploration strategies, Keith Pitt, the
minister for resources, water and northern Australia, said in a
statement.
"While Australia is known across the world for its rich gold and
iron ore deposits, our country also has an abundance of critical
minerals – which are key to everything from iPhones to fighter
jets," he added.
China is the dominant supplier of rare earths, which are used in
electric vehicle batteries, a wide range of consumer products as
well as satellites and lasers. Western governments have been
keen to diversify procurement amid trade and political tensions
with Beijing.
The United State said this month it would work with allies to
secure the minerals needed for electric vehicle batteries and
process them domestically.
The dataset was compiled by Geoscience Australia, the Geological
Survey of Canada and the United States Geological Survey.
(Reporting by Melanie Burton; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
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