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February 2026

Congratulations Dr Ravinder (Ravi) Anand

Dr Ravinder (Ravi) Anand
Dr Ravinder (Ravi) Anand.

Dr Ravinder (Ravi) Anand was recently appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his outstanding contributions to geoscience and mineral exploration.

Beginning his career in soil science and geomorphology in India, Ravi went on to pioneer regolith research in Australia. Since joining CSIRO in 1987, he has become a global leader in regolith geology, weathering processes, and geochemical exploration.

Over more than 35 years, Ravi’s work has shaped modern mineral exploration, from improving sampling strategies to advancing understanding of ferruginous laterites, directly contributing to major gold discoveries worth more than $2 billion.

His innovative research showing how vegetation and termites can indicate deeply buried mineral deposits has opened new, cost‑effective exploration methods. With over 335 publications and a long history of mentoring geologists and students worldwide, Ravi’s impact on science and industry is profound and enduring.

Geophysics

Geosurvey reveals hidden Australia Magnetic Anomaly

CSIRO researchers have revealed fresh geological insights into one of the Northern Territory’s most striking geophysical features – the Australia Magnetic Anomaly – showcasing the power of aeromagnetic data in mapping structures hidden beneath the surface.

Mineral of the month

Diversifying lithium-rich mineral sources with petalite

As the world accelerates toward electrification, demand for lithium rich minerals is soaring. Less famous than spodumene but still an important lithium source, petalite is taking its place in a diversified lithium supply chain.

High-purity silica

Review

Unlocking Australia’s high‑purity silica potential

The Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub funded global review takes a mineral‑systems approach, mapping not just where high-purity silica deposits exist, but why they form and what geological processes concentrate silica to such high purities. This first‑of‑its‑kind review marks a major step toward positioning Australia as a future supplier of the specialised silica required for technologies that drive the clean‑energy transition.

Hub news

Recent critical minerals announcements