Core Resources, alongside Mipac, Interlate, and Grease Boss, participated in the Mining Innovation session of the Trade and Investment Queensland METS Showcase at the 2023 International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC). This session focused on Process Design and Optimisation for Critical Minerals.
Jonathan Loraine, Chair of Core Resources, delivered a presentation highlighting the company’s 20-year journey in developing critical minerals projects. He emphasised the unique challenges associated with these projects, including:
Complex and low-grade ores requiring upfront beneficiation
Multi-stage extraction, purification, and refining processes
Stringent high-purity product specifications
These challenges align with Core’s expertise in complex minerals processing, honed over decades through numerous projects across various continents and involving precious, base, and critical metals.
In his presentation, Loraine also addressed Australia’s position in the global critical minerals value chain. He pointed out that while Australia holds a significant share in mining and concentrate production, its involvement diminishes in downstream processes such as refining and battery manufacturing. For instance, Australia accounts for 38% of the mining and concentrate production industry, valued at $26 billion, but only 4% of the refining and processing industry, valued at $63 billion, and has negligible participation in battery cell production and assembly, industries worth $550 billion and $1.7 trillion respectively.
Loraine advocated for Australia to expand its capabilities beyond mining, emphasising the need to invest in refining, processing, and manufacturing to capture more value within the country. He highlighted the importance of developing technologies and infrastructure to support this growth, ensuring Australia remains competitive in the global critical minerals market.
For a more in-depth understanding of Loraine’s insights and Core Resources’ strategic direction, you can view the full presentation here.
