Rock on: The Critical Minerals of Tomorrow

Veracio is Technical Session Sponsor of AusIMM's Critical Minerals Conference 2023.

The global stride toward sustainability unveils a pivotal link: the critical minerals underpinning our green future and the time to mine them. As our reliance grows, we're racing against the clock, challenging conventional mining practices.

Demand and Supply: A Tipping Balance

Over the next decade, technological growth and green initiatives will dramatically amplify the demand for critical minerals. As the world leans into green tech, potential supply deficits loom large. We're not only tasked with upscaling mining but also refining the processes that transport minerals from the earth's core to cutting-edge tech through green supply chain corridors.

The Minerals Powering Our Future

Lithium often dominates green tech conversations due to its battery significance. However, our green trajectory depends on a diverse mineral mix:

1. Copper: The critical backbone of conductivity for electric vehicles and renewables.
2. Cobalt: Essential batteries for electric vehicles, tablets, and smartphones.¹
3. Nickel: Integral for hydro-electric power and beyond.²
4. Aluminium (and HPA): Key in battery safety and efficiency.³
5. Silicon Carbide: Poised to redefine electronics.⁴
6. Magnesium: Used in high-performance alloys.⁵
7. Rare Earth Elements: Essential in permanent magnets such as the ones used in wind turbines and EVs.⁶

Unearthing these minerals is complex. Beyond site identification, detailed studies span 18 months to 3 years, and transitioning to production adds years. As we dig deeper, facing harder-to-reach deposits, urgency mounts.

The Call for Swift Resource Definition and Mine Design

The intricate steps of resource definitions and mine design demand immediate attention. They shape the mining journey. Neglect here can ripple into supply setbacks and economic upheavals. Embracing advanced tech, informed decisions, and forward planning right through to end of mine life at this early stage can set the pace for all that follows.

Veracio's Pioneering Stance

Aware of these challenges, Veracio is actively redefining the mining landscape. By intertwining seasoned expertise with advanced tech, we prioritize refining early-stage mining processes. Our aim? Speeding up critical mineral extraction without sidelining environmental commitments.

A Vision for a Green Future

As we gear up for a green-centric future, critical minerals' importance cannot be overstated. Navigating to these resources, however, demands attention to timely, sustainable approaches. Veracio is committed to leading this change, bridging the divide between present hurdles and a promising, sustainable tomorrow.

References

1. https://www.cobaltinstitute.org/about-cobalt/cobalt-life-cycle/cobalt-use/
2. https://nickelinstitute.org/en/blog/2021/september/wind-and-water-nickel-in-clean-energy/
3. https://www.criticalmineralsgroup.com.au/hpa
4. https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-07/doe-critical-material-assessment_07312023.pdf
5. https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-06/critical-minerals-strategy-2023-2030.pdf
6. https://www.iea.org/topics/critical-minerals