Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer

Accelerating innovation, commercialisation and research in the resources technology and critical minerals sector.

Transforming the resources sector

The Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer (RTCM) is transforming the way industry, academia and researchers work together to meet the needs and future aspirations of the resources industry. 

The program is building new research capabilities and driving commercialisation in key priority areas of the resources technology and critical minerals sectors, such as:

  • rare earths and lithium processing
  • mine waste management
  • energy value chain
  • the digitisation of resources operations to optimise productivity.
Rows of rocks and minerals with gradients of colours sorted into rows

Focus areas

The Trailblazer's research focuses around key areas:

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University transformation

Changing the way commercialisation and industry-led research is embedded, facilitated and rewarded in universities.

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Technology readiness

Reducing risks associated with new technologies, building pathways for SMEs and industry to invest and implement new ways of working.

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Commercialisation

Leading commercial innovation by translating research outcomes into new products, services and industry processes.

Find out more

To learn more about the Trailblazer and see how you can get involved, visit the website.

Visit the Trailblazer website

Our trailblazer team

Trailblazer lead for UQ

Professor Rick Valenta

r.valenta@uq.edu.au

Industry Professor, Commercialisation

Leigh Staines

leigh.staines@uq.edu.au

Senior Project Support Officer

Amanda Jones

amanda.jones@uq.edu.au

Commercialisation and Business Development Manager

Andrew Miller

a.miller@uniquest.com.au

Our partners

The Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer is led by Curtin University, in partnership with UQ, James Cook University and over 50 industry partners across Australia, with support from the Australian Government Department of Education through the Trailblazers Universities Program.