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September 2024

In this issue

Critical minerals: Australia's silicon future

a close up of solar panels
Silicon is fundamental for solar cells

Silicon, in the form of quartz, is a fundamental ingredient for solar cells and other key technologies. Yet the journey from hard rock quartz to solar cell is complex and Australia's potential to contribute to this journey is still unfolding. 

More on Australia's silicon potential.

Our scientists and their mineral namesakes

A man sits at a desk with 5 computer screens in front of him, each with different data and images. In the background is a large piece of equipment used for analysing samples.
Analysing a mineral's crystal structure can be done using X-ray diffraction techniques

Research scientist Colin MacRae is our latest science rockstar to have a mineral named in his honour, but the process to name a new mineral is complicated.

Meet Colin and the team who nominated him.

Monazite, a pathfinder to rare earth elements

A small brown, roughly square rock sitting in the palm of a gloved hand
A small sample of brown monazite

Our Mineral of the Month, monazite, points us in the right direction in the search for metals that support our modern technology. It's a significant source of rare earth elements.

Read about monazite.

New R&D Hub website is live

Close up of green and blue mottled rocks
The Hub is hosted by CSIRO, ANSTO and Geoscience Australia

The Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub has launched its very own website.

Check out the new R&D Hub site now.

In case you missed it ...

Powering through to clean electricity

New research from CSIRO and AEMO highlights Australia's progress in integrating more renewable energy into our grid.

Celebrating decades of collaboration

Our 35-year partnership with Boeing supports Australian research, development and innovation.

Coming up ...