Resourceful, December 2025
As the year draws to an end, it’s time to reflect on all we’ve achieved this year. 2025 has thrust Australian resources into the spotlight, reinforcing our nation's position as a global supplier of minerals vital to modern technology. Critical minerals and green mining innovations have taken prominence through international trade deals and global efforts toward decarbonisation.
As Australia’s national science agency, we strive to deliver breakthrough science and innovation across the minerals value chain - from exploration to mining and processing - while ensuring sustainability and global competitiveness.
Through Resourceful this year we’ve been able to share some of our latest R&D innovations and how they align to our commitment to sustainable mining. Innovations include gold recovery through cyanide recycling and partnerships with organisations like HILT CRC to produce low-emission metals through the Green Metals Innovation Network (GMIN). The creative repurposing of mining by-products, such as transforming microcline for space applications and converting mining waste into geopolymer building materials, and deploying algal technologies for mine site rehabilitation, demonstrates how resourcefulness is driving a circular economy and inspiring new approaches to waste management.
We also shared cutting-edge tools developed by CSIRO, including advanced mineral mapping with Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and a new software tool called LandScape+ to accelerate mineral discovery. The AERONET network is setting new standards for satellite data reliability, enabling faster and more accurate identification and extraction of resources. These advancements are all strengthening Australia’s competitive edge in global mining.
As the industry navigates a landscape shaped by shifting global demand for commodities, sustainability imperatives and rapid technological change, we look forward to continuing as your R&D partner in mineral resources and to tackling these challenges together. It is only through focused collaboration that we can create a sustainable future for Australia’s resources sector.
In this last Resourceful for the year, I would like to wish you and your families a happy and safe holiday season.
Resourceful will be back in February 2026.
Dr Louise Fisher
Director, CSIRO Mineral Resources
